
Class 2£-S 54^ 



le^lS 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



REMINISCENCES 



BY 



O. E. Throckmorton, M. D. 




Burt-Haywood 
Company 

I^aFayette, Indiana 






Copyright, 1913, 
by O. E. Throckmorton 



>C!.A347176 



®a HSg Mnt^n 



INTRODUCTION. 

IN THIS BOOK of reminiscences are some old- 
fashioned sentiments of an old-fashioned fellow 
— one who, perhaps, from the viewpoint of 
many, has not caught the true spirit of the times. 
It may be that the author is one of those who 
lag behind, one of the many who by force of cir- 
cumstance rather than by choice are compelled 
to move tardily forward; certain it is that he is 
not one of those who are ever in the lead and at 
the same time dragging the laggards with them. 
It may be that he is one who, waiting while oth- 
ers toil till victory crowns their efforts, accepts 
the fruits of their labor with seemingly ungrate- 
ful heart. Notwithstanding that in this twen- 
tieth century the things of today are cast aside 
tomorrow (for it seems that the people are not 
only willing but anxious to cast aside the old and 
take up the new), the writer of these verses must 
confess that he has a habit of clinging to the old, 
and takes up the new, if at all, with reluctance. 
While acknowledging that some things of to- 
day are far superior to those of the past and be- 



yond the wildest dreams of our childhood days, 
and that the needs of humanity make it imper- 
ative that some things of yesterday be cast aside, 
yet it seems, whenever memory takes us back to 
where our childhood days are brought to view, 
or when we remember those who, by striving, 
succeeded in making the world what it is today, 
that there is a halo around "the things of long 
ago." 

While these verses are disposed to be opti- 
mistic, yet it does not necessarily follow that the 
author is always of the same disposition ; on the 
contrary, many of the cheerful lines were written 
when the author had a bad case of the "blues." 
However, after such effort the clouds have often 
drifted apart to let the sunlight in. If the read- 
ing of these verses should help some fellow lab- 
orer to bear his burden and perchance give him 
a broader view of life and cause him at times to 
reach down and lift up some soul that has be- 
come discouraged; if in their publication the 
author should find just a few who understand; 
then the effort will not have been in vain. 

O. E. T. 



CONTENTS. 



JIMTOWN 13 

when you hear the rain drops 1 5 

the old drum corps 18 

there's eolks a-needin' help 20 

the city might do, if — 23 

""TWIXT NIGHT-TIME AND DAY 2/ 

thanksgivin' day 30 

what i like to play 33 

KEEP a-sawin' wood 35 

there's good in everybody 37 

where the sunlight rests 39 

"hello bill" 40 

old rover 43 

the old jimtown band 46 

OLD TIME SINGIN' 49 

SHADOWS 54 

TAIL END O' SUMMER 57 

FOLKS what's DONE THEIR BEST 62 

QUIT A-WORRYIN' 63 

THE OLD TIME SPELLIN' 67 

PAWPAWS FROM OLD JOHNSON 7I 

TELL ME NOW 74 

WHEN THE WHISTLES BLOW 76 

WHY IS IT ? 78 

SOME THINGS IS FREE 79 

HOW CAN YOU KNOW ? 80 



old year and the new 8l 

I'd like to go a-vis'tin' 85 

WHEN A hand's in YOURN 8/ 

DAWN 90 

TOMORROW 92 

THE SWEETEST SONG 93 

there's folks WORSE OFF 94 

SOME DAY WE WILL UNDERSTAND 96 

there's a TURN SOMEWHERE 98 

THE THINGS OF LONG AGO Id 

DEATH 104 

it's up to YOU 107 

THE world's GOT LOTS o' SUNSHINE HO 

WHAT LIES BEYOND 112 

EACH LIFE HAS ITS BURDEN 1 13 

THE FAILURE 115 

BOYS what's in the WAY 1 19 

we have but today 121 

don't forget to oil the wheels 123 

play ball 1 25 

where light and shadows blend 1 28 

when your ma has gone away i3i 

have a purpose 133 

FUTURE GIVIN' AIN'T MUCH HELP 1 34 

WHEN I WAKE UP SKEERED AT NIGHT 1 35 

RAGTIME 137 

ain't YOU THANKFUL JUST TO LIVE? 1 39 

ain't TODAY JUST FINE? I42 



SPARK PLUGS MISSIN' FIRE 145 

when you get a toothache i48 

did you try ? i50 

do things now 1 52 

the straight out sort 1 53 

god's sky is over aee 155 

how some eoeks eive 157 

somethin' 'tain't happened yet 158 

orange BLOSSOMS 160 

HANG ON TO YOUR GRIT 161 

MIEKIn' cows IN FLYTIME 163 

LIVER PILLS 166 

A SMILE AND HAND-CLASP 168 

THE OLD TRUNDLE BED I70 

PUT IT, RILEY, WHERE YOU PLEASE 1 72 

there'll allus be SOME knockin' 175 



JIMTOWN 
REMINISCENCES 




A Jimtoivn Discussion 



REMINISCENCES 1 3 



JIMTOWN. 

You can talk about the splendor 

Of the things you have today, 
Tell how much you think 'em better, 

Than the ones you've cast away. 
I'll admit you have things finer 

And more bizness like, but then. 
There was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 

What I'd like to see again. 

While there was no train a-runnin' 

And a-stirrin' up the town, 
Yet you didn't get half coaldust 

When a snowflake it come down. 
Was no social clubs to speak of, - 

Yet there wasn't a poker den. 
And was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 

As I'd have 'em be again. 

While you'd think we had no hustle 

And our news was alius slow. 
There was lots o' things 'bout Jimtown 

What the cities never know. 
While we had no lofty buildin's 

And there was no 'lectric light. 
Yet the fate o' this here Nation 

Was decided there at night. 



14 JIMTOWN 

While there was no pubhc buildin's, 

Just the meetin' house and store, 
Yet the men would sometimes gather 

At the blacksmith shop next door. 
Oh, it was no town to speak of 

When you come to talk o' size, 
But there's somethin' born at Jimtown 

What just someway never dies. 

There was no chautauqua lectures 

And we had no vaw-de-ville, 
Was no parks with high class music — 

Nothin' o' that kind — but still. 
When I think o' apple peelin's 

And the spellin' bees, why say ! 
I believe he was as happy 

As the folks what live today. 

While there's some folks won't believe it 

(Least that's what they alius say), 
There was just as much o' pleasure 

As is in the towns today ; 
And sometime when you are lonely, 

Kind o' musin'-like, why then 
I bet somewhere there's a Jimtown 

What you'd like to see again. 



REMINISCENCES 1 5 



WHEN YOU HEAR THE RAIN DROPS. 

Ain't it curious how the patter 

Of the steady falhn' rain 
What's a-startin' up the daisies 

And the grass along the lane, 
When the wind's a-stirrin' gentle 

In a sighin' sort o' way, 
Brings a feelin' on a-body 

What you alius wish would stay? 
Kind o' smoothes out all the tangles 

And relieves your mind o' care 
When you hear the rain drops patter'n' 

And a-drippin' ever'where. 

You have heard 'em in the springtime, 

When it's 'most a-breakin' day, 
And the birds are kind o' chirpin' 

And a-gettin' under way, 
And you lay in bed a-dreamin' 

Of some happy days you've seen, 
Tho' you're neither 'wake nor sleepin' 

But are sort o' in between. 
Then the drippin's fairy music, 

And so gentle like and slow 
That it kind o' takes you backwards 

To the days o' long ago. 



l6 JIMTOWN 

I recall a-sleepin' yonder, 

In a dreamy sort o' way, 
Long afore my face was wrinkled 

Or my hair was turnin' gray; 
I can hear the rain drops patter 

On the clapboards overhead, 
While I lay there just beneath 'em 

Sort o' snoozin' there in bed. 
And a-buildin' fairy castles 

In a youngster's lazy way — 
Half a-sleepin', half a-wakin' 

Through the breakin' of the day. 

I can hear the water runnin' 

And a-droppin' off the eaves ; 
I can hear the gentle rustle 

Of the newly opened leaves. 
'Most can hear the buds a-bu'stin' 

And the things we thought was dead 
All a-shootin' and revivin'. 

Each a-tryin' to be ahead. 
It begets a soothin' feelin' 

What I alius wish would stay, 
When the rain drops start to patter 

And it's 'most a-breakin' day. 



REMINISCEINCES 17 



I have alius liked to hear it 

When a-nappin' up in bed, 
Just a-ripplin' down the gutter 

And a-patter'n' overhead; 
In the early days o' springtime 

Is the time I like it best, 
When it's wakin' up the daisies 

From their night o' winter rest ; 
And it's then I wish that somehow 

I'd be soothed to sleep that way. 
When my lifework all is ended 

And it's 'most a-breakin' day. 



l8 JIMTOWN 



THE OLD DRUM CORPS. 

If there's anything can cheer you 

When you're kind o' on the bum 
It's to get some good old fifer 

And a bass and tenor drum; 
When them fellars get a-goin' 

At a Hvely sort o' rate, 
Then there's somethin' in your bosom 

'Pears to sort o' elevate. 

When your spirits are a-droopin' — 

Sort o' goin' down kersock 
Like a tin can in the mill-pond 

Wliat's been weighted with a rock, 
And it 'pears you've 'most struck bottom,- 

When you hear the drum corps start, 
Then there comes a sort o' bulgin' 

In the region of your heart. 

And there's somethin' sort o' bracin' 

'Pears to permeate the air. 
And you feel it somehow strike you 

With the tattoo on the snare ; 
Then the music starts in earnest, 

And your spirits upward soar, 
And they never stop the music 

But you're alius wantin' more. 



REMINISCENCES 19 



While a few perhaps don't Hke it, 

And they 'low it's mostly noise, 
Yet it makes the children happy 

And it jollies older boys. 
You can kick about the racket, 

Though of high or low estate; 
But you get the drum corps started 

And you'll see folks congregate. 

There's a charm about it somehow 

And it 'pears to touch a spot 
What somewhere within his bosom 

'Pears 'most ever'body's got. 
Yes, the best thing for to liven 

When a fellar's feelin' bum 
Is to get some good old fifer 

And a bass and tenor drum. 



20 JIMTOWN 



.THERE'S FOLKS A-NEEDIN' HEEP. 

Are you dwellin' in the sunlight? 

Don't the shadows never fall? 
Is your life a round o' pleasure 

What's a-waitin' for your call? 
Don't you know no pain nor sorrow — 

Not a heartache nor a care? 
Is it one continual sunbeam 

Follerin' you 'most ever'where? 
Don't forget at times, my brother, 

Just to take a backward view, 
'Cause there's folks back in the shadows 

What's a-needin' help from you. 

Mebby you are alius lucky 

From a business point o' view, — 
If there's any chances comin', 

'Pears they alius wait for you. 
Mebby 'tain't because you've earned it 

That you're on the winnin' list, 
'Cause there's folks what tried lots harder, 

And it 'pears they've alius missed. 
When you're countin' up your treasures, 

Sort o' take a backward view, 
'Cause there's folks what's all discouraged 

What's a-needin' help from you. 



ri;miniscenci:s 21 

Have you fireside, home and fam'ly 

'Waitin' when the day is done? 
Is there some one who will praise you 

If the battle's lost or won? 
Is your path all easy sailin' ? 

Are there friends to help you through ? 
Speak a word to help your brother 

What's a-tryin' same as you. 
When you're settin' at your fireside, 

Sort o' take a backward view, 
'Cause there's lots o' folks what's friendless 

What's a-needin' help from you. 

If you're climbin' up the mountain. 

And have reached a lofty view, 
There's a glorious panorama 

What's a-waitin' there for you. 
Are the clouds o' doubt below you ? 

Is the way all bright and fair? 
Have you reached the top o' Pisgah? 

Are you just a-restin' there? 
Turn aside from Heav'nly visions — 

Sort o' take a backward view, 
'Cause there's folks down in the valley 

What's a-needin' help from you. 



2.2 JIMTOWN 



In the path o' life's brief journey, 

Be your lot just what it may, 
If you'll look, there's someone 'bout you 

You can help along his way. 
When your life seems overburdened 

'With a lot o' trials and care, 
Just the doin' of a kindness 

Makes the pathway brighter there. 
When you think you're havin' hardships. 

Sort o' take a backsvard view, 
'Cause there's folks a-strugglin' someplace 

What's a-needin' help from you. 



REMINISCENCES 23 



,THE CITY MIGHT DO, IF— 

I ain't nothin' 'gin the city, 

And I'd like it purty well 
If there wer'n't so much o' mis'ry 

'Long with all the show and swell, — 
If it offered more o' sweetness 

In the strugglin' poor man's cup, 
And a little more o' kindness 

For to lift the fallen up, — 
Just a little less o' splendor 

Where the avenue's aglow, 
And a little more o' promise 

With the by-street's bitter woe. 

Oh, I know its best is splendid. 

And you hardly know it's night, 
For the sunlight 's almost rivaled 

By the modern 'lectric light; 
There is spots where flow'rs are bloomin' 

And it 'pears there ain't a care, 
And to some it looks like heaven 

When they gaze in windows there; 
But I can't repel the picture, 

'Spite the avenue's bright glow, 
Of the sights around the corner 

Where it's poverty and woe. 



24 JIMTOWN 

Mebby city's better'n country, 

And to some more pleasure gives, 
But I'd like to have less heartaches 

On the street vv^here poor folks lives ; 
Like a little less o' f eastin', 

For to have the hungry fed — 
Like a little more than prayin' 

Where there's folks a-needin' bread. 
While folks has a right to riches 

If they made their mone)'" square, 
Yet amid the city's mis'ry 

I keep askin', Is it fair? 



Yes, I'd mebby like it better 

If there wer'n't so much o' self 
And a little more o' friendship 

'Scattered in among the wealth. 
If a man would be a brother 

To 'most ever'one he'd see, 
Then I dunno but the city 

Would do' purty well for me. 
And I'd like the city's splendor — 

Like to see the lights aglow — 
If you'd paint away the picture 

Of the by-street's bitter woe. 



REMINISCENCES 25 



While the country ain't all sunshine 

And there's ofttimes sorrow there, 
(Sort o' 'pears there's alius sadness 

Mixed with pleasure ever'where), 
Yet I tire so of the splendor 

Of the city's crowded street 
Where you never get a handshake 

From the people what you meet. 
And it's then I start to thinkin', 

If you're really wantin' rest, 
Then the quiet of the country 

('Pears to me) is lots the best. 



REMINISCENCES 27 



',TWIXT NIGHT-TIME AND DAY. 

When the Hght's a-gettin' dimmer 

And the sky's a-turnin' gray, 
Sort o' 'pears like time's a-hangin' 

'Twixt the night-time and the day ; 
When there ain't no one about me, 

But it's quiet hke and still. 
Then I'll sort o' start to musin/ 

Like a musin' fellar will. 
And my thoughts 'most alius wander 

In a dreamy kind o' way 
And 'most alius sort o' nestle 

In some distant childhood day. 

Then I kind o' coax my mem'ry 

For to act that sort o' way, 
'Cause I like to have it wander 

And with childhood dreams to stay; 
For it alius makes one peaceful. 

Sort o' smooths your careworn brow 
Just to sidestep to life's springtime 

And to leave the cares o' now. 
For I like to live in mem'ry 

Past the years what since have flown, 
And to muse 'bout folks and places 

What to childhood days were known. 



28 JIMTOWN 



So I wander with my fancy 

At the endin' o' the day ; 
Childhood scenes will flit before me, 

And I try to have 'em stay. 
I can see the pigeons courtin' 

Up around the old barn loft, 
Hear the doves their mates a-callin' 

In a voice what's low and soft. 
I can hear the water splashin' 

Where the deep hole use to be; 
Can 'most see the leaves a-quiver 

On the overhangin' tree. 

I can see the place the killdee 

And the bobwhite had their nest, 
Where the nuts was alius thickest 

And the apples was the best. 
I can hear the wrens and thrushes, 

'Mongst the tangled underwood. 
And can see the cattle restin' 

Where the old black walnut stood; 
See the orchard and the woodlot, 

See each cool and shady glen. 
And ofttimes when I'm a-musin' 

I'm a-restin' there asrain. 



REMINISCSNCUS 29 

O, it is a wondrous vision 

What the dream o' childhood brings, 
'Cause tliere ain't no gloomy shadows, 

But the air 'most alius rings 
With the mirth o' youthful laughter; 

It's a time what's free o' care, — 
Ain't no sorrow or no heartaches. 

But just sunshine ever'where. 
Then I close my eyes, for somehow 

That just seems to make it last, 
When my mem'ry starts to driftin' 

And a-livin' in the past. 



While there's folks what think it gloomy — 

'Bout the saddest time o' day, — 
And it 'pears they're alius feelin' 

Kind o' lonesome-like someway, 
Yet I like to sit in twilight 

With its shadows and its gloom, 
For it brings to me more visions 

Than the grandest lighted room ; 
Like to sit there just a-musin' 

In a dreamy sort o' way. 
When it 'pears like time's a-hangin' 

'Twixt the night-time and the day. 



30 JIMTOWN 



THANKSGIVIN' DAY. 

When the air is kind o' snappish 

And the sky at times is gray, 
When the cider is a-sparklin', 

And the punkins ripe — why say ! 
Ain't you ever sort o' noticed 

How sich times 'most alius bring- 
Just a sort o' love for eatin' 

Till you'll eat 'most anything? 
Oh it was a splendid i-dee 

(Or to me it seems that way) 
When they settled our Thanksgivin' 

On that kind o' frosty day. 

It's when fall is most-nigh ended 

And it ain't quite winter yet, 
But there's somethin' what's a-floatin' 

In the air you can't forget; 
Sort o' 'pears to be contagious 

And affects both young and old 
When it's just 'tween autumn crispness 

And Old Winter's bitter cold. 
Now perhaps that's just the reason 

That it's called Thanksgivin' day, 
For it sort o' 'pears there's somethin' 

Makes one feel that soi't o' way. 



REMINISCENCES 31 



When the crops is mostly gathered 

And the winter's wood is got, 
Ever'thing's a-tastin' better — 

'Pears to go right to the spot; 
And it seems 'most ever' season 

There will come that kind o' spell 
When the sick folks they feel better 

And the well ones lots more well. 
And the clouds are alius turnin' 

Till they show the silver side. 
Ever'thing it seems is suited — 

'Pears to be just satisfied. 

While there ain't the smell o' blossoms 

Like there is along in May 
And there ain't the scented clover 

Like we have on some June day, 
And there ain't the lazy feelin' 

Like we have in early fall. 
Yet there's somethin' what's a-comin' — 

You can 'gin to feel it crawl — 
Just a-creepin' o'er your body 

Till at last there comes a day 
You just get to sort o' feelin' 

Kind o' thankful-like someway. 



32 JIMTOWN 



It ain't caught from other people, 

Or I've alius said it's not, 
For the best place for to catch it 

Is some quiet wooded spot. 
You can set there just a-musin' 

And you feel it in the breeze, 
And imagine it's a-talkin' 

With it's sighin' through the trees. 
Oh it's somethin' what's a-floatin' 

In the air, is what I say. 
And I think that's just the reason 

That it's called Thanksgivin' day. 



REMINISCENCES 33 



WHAT I LIKE TO PLAY. 

Oh the world's a queerish mixture 

When you stop and take a view, 
And there's queerish people in it — 

'Pears they've each a differ'nt pew ; 
For each one has got his i-dee 

Of the thing he likes to play, 
But I'd like to be at Jimtown 

Just a-playin' of croquet. 

And it's funny what queer notions 

Other folks will sometimes get ; 
Mebby what they like is pleasure. 

But I've never found it yet. 
I don't care none 'bout your socials 

Or your euchre clubs, but say — 
I'd just like to be at Jimtown 

In a game o' plain croquet. 

I have watched men playin' checkers 

And I've seen 'em playin' pool, 
And I ain't forgot the capers 

What we use to cut at school. 
While I guess they'd sort o' answer 

Just tO' pass the time away, 
Yet when huntin' for real pleasure 

Start a game o' plain croquet. 



34 JIMTOWN 



I can see 'em now a-playin' 

And can hear the fellars fuss, 
For the folks what was rehgious 

Would at times just purt-nigh cuss, 
I can hear the balls a-crackin' 

In a merry sort o' way 
And can see the place at Jimtown 

Where we use to play croquet. 

Yes the world's a queerish mixture 

When you come to take a view, 
For the things with what I'm suited 

Ain't the things what's suitin' you. 
If to you them things is pleasure 

You've a right to have your way, 
But I'd like to be at Jimtown 

Just a-playin' of croquet. 



RIJMINISCENCE^S 35 



KEEP A-SAWIN' WOOD. 

When things happen out o' kelter 

And the air is dark and blue — 
Ain't no rainbow what's a-shinin' 

And a-smihn' back at you — 
It's no time to- be a-mopin' ; 

Just you go to sawin' wood, 
'Cause it's lots o' satisfaction 

When you've done the best you could. 

Most the world keeps on a-movin', 

And the days a-goin' by 
Don't have no effect on nature — 

You can laugh or you can cry. 
Why don't you show up your gumption 

And just go to sawin' wood — 
For it's lots o' satisfaction 

When you've done the best you could. 

When things 'gin a-goin' backwards 

And you're snappish, ill and cross. 
Nature keeps right on a-smilin' — 

You're the one 'twill stand the loss ; 
Flow'rs they just keep on a-bloomin' 

And the birds are just as gay; 
'Pears like other things ain't mindin' 

Nary single thing you say. 



36 JIMTOWN 



Don't you know when clouds are hangin' 

And the sun awhile is hid, 
Somewhere else it's now a-shinin' 

Just as bright as't ever did? 
If things ain't just to your likin' 

Keep right on a-sawin' wood — 
'Cause it's lots o' satisfaction 

When you've done the best you could. 

Seems so curious, when you're ruffled 

And ain't more than half a man. 
How most other things are tryin' 

Just to do the best they can. 
It's amazin' how 'twill help you 

When you start to sawin' wood ; 
Then it's lots o' satisfaction 

When you've done the best you could. 

When things happen out o' kelter 

And you're ugly through and through. 
You'll find other things ain't mindin' 

Or a-worryin' much 'bout you. 
If you'd like for folks to notice. 

Just you go to sawin' wood ; 
In the end they like a fellar 

What has done the best he could. 



REMINISCENCES 37 



THERE'S GOOD IN EVER'BODY. 

Did you ever meet a fellar 

What just 'peared was wholly bad? 
Never had a good thought 'bout him? 

(Or you'd never think he had) 
'Peared to be clean past redemption? 

Least 'twould look that way — but then. 
There is good in ever'body, 

Some bad in the best o' men. 

Mebby he's a-tryin' hardest; 

He may have the harder test, 
And the only thing what's counted 

Is the doin' of one's best. 
I'll admit there is some fellars 

'Pear most awful bad — but then, 
There is good in ever'body, 

Some bad in the best o' men. 

You don't know your brother's tempter. 

Nor don't know what trials he's had. 
Mebby you had smoother sailin'. 

Or you'd been most-nigh as bad. 
Now his good may be so hidden 

That you see just bad — but then. 
There is good in ever'body, 

Some bad in the best o' men. 



38 JIMTOWN 



Don't you see how 'tis, my brother — 

How just bad is all some know? 
They ain't had the chance o' others 

And the good just couldn't grow. 
He may 'pear to you as hopeless, 

And you'll pass him by — but then, 
inhere is good in ever'body. 

Some bad in the best o' men. 

It don't help your fallen brother 

When you kick him lower down; 

While a smile may lift him up'ards, 
He sinks lower with your frown. 

You may think 'tain't worth the effort- 
Just a waste o' time — ^but then, 

(There is good in ever'body. 

Some bad in the best o' men. 



ri;minisce;nces 39 



WHERE THE SUNLIGHT RESTS. 

As I view the risin' storm-cloud 

I'm ofttimes o'ercome with fear, 
And I oft would flee in terror 

As the shadows gather near, 
And my heart is weak and falt'rin' — 

Filled with gloom and sore distressed- 
Till I see on distant landscape 

Where the golden sunbeams rest. 

Oft along my earthly journey 

The dark clouds of sorrow bend, 
And the shadows dark appallin' 

Will upon my heart descend. 
Yet when darkness overtakes me 

I still see with faith's clear eyes, 
For I know beyond the shadows 

Brightly golden sunlight lies. 

Trav'lin' o'er life's troubled pathway, 

Ofttimes fear will come to me 
As I see the storm-clouds gather 

And the wild tumultuous sea. 
Yet in faith I'm steerin' onward, 

Though oft tossed by stormy crests, 
For I know beyond life's tempests 

Is where God's bright sunlight rests. 



40 JIMTOWN 



"HELLO BILL." 

Did you ever stop to notice 

How it brings a sort o' thrill 
When you come across a fellar 

What just 'hollers "Hello Bill?" 
It don't matter where you meet him — 

Mebby that's just all he'll say; 
But it lifts a load o' trouble 

When he greets you that-a-way. 

Some pretend that they don't like it — 

Think it ain't refined — but, say ! 
Now to me it brings the sunshine, 

And the clouds just melt away. 
Some may sort o' scorn the i-dee — 

Say they don't believe it — still, 
I'm someway a differ'nt fellar 

When I hear that "Hello Bill." 

If your clothes are sort o' shabby 

And you're run down at the heel. 
Makes no differ'nce how cadav'rous 

Or how woe-begone you feel. 
Someway things will alius brighten — 

Don't know why, but yet they will- 
When you run across that fellar 

With his cheery "Hello Bill." 



REMINISCENCES 41 



He don't wait to see who's lookin' 

'Fore he stops to speak to you, 
And don't speak just like he had to, 

But just Hke he wanted to. 
Other folks may sort o' pass you. 

But you bet he never will. 
If you fail or if you're winnin' 

It's the same old "Hello Bill." 

When I leave this land o' mortals. 

Sort o' cast off with the tide, 
I just think that sound would cheer me 

Till I reach the other side; 
And when landin' over yonder — 

It sounds funny now, but still, 
I'd just like to have that fellar 

'Greet me with his "Hello Bill.'' 



REMINISCENCES 43 



OLD ROVER. 

I can shut my eyes and see him 

On the doorstep as he lay 
With his eyes about half open 

In a lazy sort o' way ; 
'Most can see the snowball blossoms, 

Hear the hum o' honey bees, 
'Most can smell the lilacs' perfume 

What's borne on the Mayday breeze. 
Yes, the picture's all before me 

With Old Rover as he lay 
Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 

In a lazy sort o' way. 

Then there comes a sort o' vision. 

And my mem'ry somehow goes, 
Till I'm wander'n' now with Rover 

Where the brooklet gently flows, 
And I build my ship and start it 

While Old Rover watches me 
As it drifts on with the current 

Past the weepin' willow tree. 
In the pathway through the forest. 

Through each dark and shady glen, 
Now in mem'ry with Old Rover 

I review it all asrain. 



44 JIMTOWN 

Now again we're in the meadow, 

Through the pasture down the lane, 
And the barkin' of Old Rover 

Was to me a sweet refrain; 
Now we wander through the orchard, 

'Round the garden to the well — 
We two comrades comin' homeward 

As the shades o' ev'nin' fell. 
But the picture alius circles 

X'iW I see him as he lay, 
Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 

In a lazy sort o' way. 

Oh if time would only let me 

Sail my ship the other way. 
Till I'd reach the cabin doorstep 

Where Old Rover use to stay. 
Roam again through field and forest. 

Wander 'long the shady brook, 
Be again a carefree urchin 

'Fore old age my childhood took. 
Play again with dear Old Rover 

Or just see him as he lay. 
Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 

In a lazy sort o' way. 



REMINISCENCES 45 



But my ship is sailin' onward 

Out across life's troubled sea; 
Long ago I left the harbor 

Where Old Rover played with me. 
But I hope some day to anchor 

In a haven bright and fair, 
And I wish that somehow Rover 

Could just meet me over there, 
Play again around that dooryard. 

Or old fashioned-like just lay 
Sort o' dozin' on the doorstep 

In a lazy sort o' way. 



46 JIMTOWN 



THE OLD JIMTOWN BAND. 

It's queer, when talkin' o' music, 

Or hearin' folks play today, 
It 'pears like I'm alius bothered, 

And get tO' musin' someway; 
And mem'ry alius will take me 

'Way back to my childhood, then 
Once more I'm back at old Jimtown 

And hear the old band again. 

Mebby you ain't never heard 'em — 

Never heard them old bands play. 
I'll admit it wasn't such music 

As the kind what's heard today, 
And there was no fancy settin's 

To help them players ; but then. 
If ever you've heard that music 

You're hanker'n' to hear it again. 

You may talk about the op'ra 

And the music what's heard there, 
With its brilliant lights a-glowin* 

And a-sparklin' ever 'where — 
'Bout musicians of distinction 

What's a-playin' there; but then, 
I'd just like to be at Jimtown 

And hear the old band again. 



REMINISCENCES 47 



I ain't knockin' on your airdome 

Or the modern nickelo, 
And at times, when folks is gloomy, 

It's a first-rate place to go ; 
I can listen to their music 

Just to pass the time away, 
But 'tain't like it was at Jimtown 

When you'd hear the old band play. 

'.Twas the best thing in creation 

For to help a fellar when 
The world was lookin' gloomy, 

For 'twould light it up again. 
.The world's got cares by millions — 

Burdens what's heavy ; but say ! 
None of 'em bothered a fellar 

When he heard the old band play. 

The old band's playin' is ended — 

Old Time has swept it away — 
And youngsters what heard that music 

Are now tuckered out, and gray ; 
And yet sometimes when I'm musin', 

I listen, it 'pears, imtil 
Again I'm hearin' the music 

Of that band what's Ions: been still. 



48 JIMTOWN 



And so, when talkin' o' music, 

Or hearin' folks play today, 
There alius will come the vision 

Of some things what's passed away. 
I know there's music what's better, 

Places what's finer ; but then, 
I'll wish I's back at old Jimtown 

To hear the old band again. 



RKMINISCENCES 49 



OLD TIME SINGIN'. 

Now mebby it's just a notion, 

But whenever the paid quoir sings 
There's somehow the lonesomest feelin' 

It purt-a-nigh alius brings. 
My thoughts is away off yonder 

While they are singin' away, 
For I can't foller their music — 

Don't alius know what they say. 
No doubt the singin' is better 

Than it use to be, but then 
When I think o' the old time singin' 

I want to hear it again. 

The quoir will start out a-singin' 

With no announcin' and 'thout 
Once tellin' us common folkses 

What it is they're singin' about; 
And then when they're through and ended, 

Whatever it might 'a' been 
(Though mebby you won't believe it) 

I don't know even then. 
And it makes me feel so lonesome — 

Sort o' queerish like, someway. 
For I think of other singin' 

What ain't like we have today. 



50 JIMTOWN 



I suppose it's what's called music 

When their voices sesshay 'round ; 
One time it's nigh up to heaven, 

'Then drops clean down to the ground ; 
And one will begin a-singin', 

(Then stop, w'hile the next lets go. 
While I ain't talkin' 'gin music. 

Somehow it bothers me so. 
The quoir all join in the chorus, 

Or it sounds that way to me ; 
While I ain't nothin' on music, 

It comes where the chorus would be. 

Then when it comes to the preachin', 

I don't hear half what is said. 
For I am alius a-thinkin' 

'Bout singers I've known what's dead. 
The singin' then it was differ 'nt 

From that o' today — you see 
Wihen none thought o' pay for singin' 

They'd sing "Salvation is free." 
I keep musin' o' old time songs — 

Dreamin' and hummin' 'em through, 
And again I see the faces 

Which mem'ry now brings to view. 



REMINISCENCES 51 



While mebby 'twas no such music 

As is the new — yet you see 
It 'peared Hke that old time singin' 

Was the kind what suited me. 
While I know it wouldn't pass muster 

Even at fun'rals what's fine, 
Yet somehow I can't help thinkin' 

It's what I'd have sung at mine. 
Seems when I'm sort o' downhearted, 

Just someway a-feelin' blue, 
tThen the old to me sounds better 

Than them w'hat they say is new. 

While they had no fancy fixin's 

(Mebby they was sort o' slow), 
Yet folks what 'tended them singin's 

Didn't view no milliner's show. 
While they had no swell director 

And the books they had was few, 
Yet the preacher did the linin' 

And they sung the hymns clean through. 
While the seats was not upholstered 

And they had no private pews. 
The singin' from them there benches 

Was the kind 'twould sure enthuse. 



52 JIMTOWN 



"How tedious and tastless the hour 

When Jesus no longer I see" 
Is out o' date and old fashioned 

But it still sounds good to me. 
The organ down there's a monster — 

Makes as much noise as a band — 
But there was no need o' organs 

When they sung "O Beulah Land." 
Oh you'd ought to heard 'em singin' 

"Come Thou Fount," "O Happy Day," 
"Alas and Did My Savior Bleed," 

Or "We Are Passin' Away." 

"Shall We Gather at the River" 

Ain't of'en sung any more. 
I reco'lect w*hen they sung it 

It 'peared we was 'most to the shore ; 
Then "Tarry with Me Through the Night," 

"Rock of Ages Cleft for Me"— 
'Pears like now I hear the singin' — 

^hen "Nearer My God to Thee." 
"On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand"— 

They sung it so loud and strong. 
I've forgot some o' the singers, 

But ain't forgot the old song. 



REMINISCENCES 53 



Sometimes, w4ien thinkin' 'bout Heaven, 

I wonder if in that land 
All the folks will join in the singin' 

Or just that one little band. 
'But then if they start to singin' 

These songs wliat is swell and new. 
There's none but the young as can sing 'em. 

Then what would the old folks do? 
When the folks meet over yonder 

And start a-singin' their song 
They'll find it's "The Same Old Story"— 

The one what we've loved so long. 



54 JIMTOWN 



SHADOWS. 

When the shadows are a-fallin' 

And I see the fadin' light, 
And the day is nearly ended 

'Cause it's comin' time for night, 
Then I alius wish 'twould linger, 

And I oft would bid it stay ; 
While I know there'll be a morrow, 

Yet I'd hold on to today. 

When the fadin' light grows dimmer 

As the shadows onward creep. 
With the zephyrs blowin' gentle 

Till at last I'm soothed to sleep, 
(Then I find in peaceful slumber 

All my cares have flown away. 
And I waken on the morrow 

Greeted by a brighter day. 

As old age now creeps upon me 

I recall the yester days. 
Shrink away from fallin' shadows 

While with youth I'd live always; 
Tho' I know beyond the shadows 

Lies "the golden fringe of day," 
Still I cling to passin' moments 

And would bid 'em longer stay. 



REMINISCENCES 55 



But at last my body's careworn — 

Feeblecl by the lengthened years — 
And my eyes grown dim by watchin' 

And from fillin' oft with tears. 
Now at last my soul is peaceful, 

And my tears are washed away, 
As my life drops into slumber, 

Waitin' for eternal day. 

Tho' my days be filled with sunshine 

And my heart be light and gay. 
Yet I'll greet the comin' shadows 

At the end of each glad day ; 
And I'll smile at twilight's fadin' 

As the night's a-comin' on, 
'Cause if there was no such night-time 

There could be no mornin's dawn. 



REMINISCENCES 57 



TAIL END O' SUMMER. 

Some folks talk about the springtime 

When the earth's a-gettin' green 
Or the beauty o' the snowdrifts 

What in wintertime they've seen; 
How they feast their eyes in summer 

On the fields o' wavin' grain 
As it glistens in the sunshine 

When there's been a shower o' rain. 
There's a time I think is better — 

Alius glad to hear its call; 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 

Then you don't feel much like workin' — 

Though there's folks what never do ; 
Sort o' shelved the work o' summer 

And the seedin' time is through. 
Kind o' 'pears like things are linger'n' 

'Fore the huskin' time comes on — 
Sort o' sandwiched in between 'em 

Like the hour 'twixt light and dawn. 
I don't like the name of autumn 

And don't like to call it fall — 
Just the tail end o' the summer, 

And to me the best of all. 



58 JIMTOWN 



When the leaves get sort o' rustly 

And they 'gin a-turnin' brown, 
When the burs they start to op'nin' 

And the nuts a-comin' down, 
When the sky's so dull and smoky 

That the sun just hazes through. 
When the bees are flyin' lazy 

iThen I'm sort o' lazy too; 
When the blackbirds are a-flockin' 

And keep up a constant call, 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 

When you hear the bobwhite whistlin' 

And a-callin' to his mates, 
When the robin's sort o' restless 

As he lingers still and waits 
And just 'pears like there is few birds 

What's just ready to go 'way 
But keep lazyin' 'round and linger'n' 

Sort o' like they'd rather stay; 
When the geese are flyin' southward 

And you 'gin to hear 'em call, 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 



REMINISCENCES 59 



When the grapes what's left are beauties 

And a-tastin' just like wine, 
When the apples they need pickin' 

Ajiid the pears are soft and fine, 
It's a time worth while a-livin'. 

If the melon time is gone 
/ don't care — it's whole lots better 

With the pumpkin crop just on. 
When you stand out doors and listen 

To the blue-bird's goodbye call 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 

When the mornin's kind o' frosty 

There's a crispness in the air, 
When the birds are all a-twitter 

And a-flyin' ever'where, 
When the squirrels are a-hustlin' 

In the woodlot by the creek, 
Ever'thing a sort o' flutter 

Till one's 'most afraid to speak 
While a-settin' there to listen 

To them critters as they call. 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 



6o JIMTOWN 



Then you'll see the fellars gather 

On the old store's sunny side, 
Sometimes slidin' 'long a little — 

Driftin' with the sunshine's tide; 
.They ain't fit for splittin' kindlin' 

Like their wives has got to do, 
But they'll set there just a-whittlin' 

And cut up a box or two — 
Swappin' yarns and plug terbacker, 

.Talkin' 'ligion, law and ball. 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 

Kind o' makes a fellar feel like 

He just wants to somehow go 
'Way out in the old woods somewhere 

Like you use to long ago, 
And lay out there in the sunshine 

What's a-tricklin' through the trees 
While the nuts they come a-pepper'n' 

'With each whisper o' the breeze. 
When you lay out there a-dreamin' 

And don't hear the dinner call, 
It's the tail end o' the summer 

And to me the best of all. 



REMINISCENCES 6l 



While o' course I like the springtime 

With its sunshine and its rain, 
And I like to greet the robin 

When he sings his glad refrain ; 
While I sort o' like the summer 

(Though there's lots o' work to do), 
And old winter with her snow-drifts 

What seem made to shovel through ; 
Like the pond when it's good skatin' ; 

Like to hear the coastin' call ; 
Yet the tail end o' the summer — 

It just somehow beats 'em all. 



62 JIMTOWN 



FOLKS WHAT'S DONE THEIR BEST. 

There is folks I sort o' fancy; 

I don't care if they ain't good, 
For I know they're alius honest 

And they've done the best they could. 

And I tell you that's a-sayin' 

'Bout the best thing for a man 

If you keep a-tellin' people 

That he does the best he can. 

So don't be in no great hurry 

Just to kick some f ellar down ; 

P'r'aps his load you couldn't carry — 
It's enough without your frown. 

Don't you brag about your station 

Nor don't tell how high you've stood; 

Mebby folks below is better, 

'Cause they've done the best they could. 

So don't alius be a-faultin', 

(Mebby 3^ou ain't understood), 

For there's folks what's slow and ploddin' 
What has done the best they could. 



REMINISCENCES 63 



QUIT A-WORRYIN'. 

Say, there ain't no use o' vvorryin' 

'Bout the pail o' milk what's spilt, 
Or a-holdin' any conflab 

'Bout what made the bucket tilt. 
Like as not the pigs '11 get it ; 

If they don't, what use to fret? 
Better think of other buckets, 

'Stead o' thatun you upset. 
Yoii have had a streak o' losin", 

But it may have been the last ; 
'Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 

You may sometimes get in trouble, 

Mebby not no fault o' yours, 
And it seems, when things get started. 

When it sprinkles it just pours. 
Just looks sure like all the trouble 

What's around the neighborhood 
Comes a-tumblin' down upon you, 

When you've stood 'bout all you could. 
But you know spring alius follows 

On the gloom of winter's blast. 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future. 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 



64 JIMTOWN 



Or perhaps you've been a-tryin' 

For to do a little good, 
And you've somehow got a heartache 

'Cause you've been misunderstood. 
But there's others by the millions 

Had the same thing happen them, 
'Cause there's folks will prize a pebble 

And go past a costly gem. 
Just keep on a-doin' kindness — 

It will come all right at last. 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 

You may some day have a failure 

From a business point o' view. 
E>on't sit down and start a-frettin' — 

Try again and put it through. 
You don't see your neighbors' troubles 

Like the ones what come to you ; 
He may have more grit to stand 'em, 

Or perhaps a brighter view. 
Brace up, then, and keep a-tryin' ; 

Rotten luck won't alius last. 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 



REMINISCENCES 65 



If you've had a chance and missed it, 

What's the use o' carryin' on? 
'Twon't come back for all your cryin', 

'Cause the thing's forever gone. 
If you seem to be unlucky — 

Written on the losin' list — 
Better look for chances comin', 

'Stead o' mournin' others missed. 
If you just keep on a-tryin' 

You're 'most sure to win at last ; 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 

Mebby it's not over pleasin' 

When you view your bygone days. 
Don't sit down and start a-grievin', 

Look ahead and mend your ways. 
You no doubt have of'en stumbled 

And ain't alius done your best. 
It's no time tO' quit a-tryin' 

'Cause you're some behind the rest. 
Say right now you'll do it better — 

Go ahead and stand steadfast ; 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future. 

Quit a-vvorryin' 'bout the past. 



66 TIMTOWN 



Xain't no earthly use o' worryin' 

'Bout the pail o' milk what's spilt, 
Or a-bother'n' all your neighbors 

'Bout the castle you ain't built, 
Or a-tellin' 'bout the passin' 

Of the train your chance was on, 
Or a-sittin' there a-frettiri' 

Till another's come and gone. 
Better be a-lookin' forward, 

For the time's a-goin' fast. 
Start to thinkin' 'bout the future, 

Quit a-worryin' 'bout the past. 



REMINISCENCES 6/ 



THE OLD TIME SPELLIN'. 

While there's lots o' things a-going', 

Just a-runnin' night and day, 
What will kind o' help a fellar 

Sort o' pass the time away, 
And some folks will spend their money 

Just a-gaddiin' 'round and 'round. 
And a-talkin' 'bout the pleasure 

What I doubt they ever found, 
(A-goin' to the op'ra house 

Or some movin' picture show). 
Yet I like the old time spellin' 

Like we had so long ago. 

You would see the young folks gather, 

And a lot of old ones too, 
'Cause it come along in winter 

When they'd nothin' else to do ; 
They'ud come afoot or horseback, 

Or 'most any way they could. 
Nearly ever'body'd be there, — 

Leastways all the 3'oung folks would. 
There was no hightiutin' music 

And it warnt no fashion show, 
Yet I liked the old time spellin' 

Like we had so lonsr ago. 



68 JIMTOWN 



iThen there comes a flood o' mem'ries 

Like sweep o'er us now and then, 
And once more in mem'ry's fancy 

I will live the past again ; 
Now again I'm in the schoolroom, 

Called there by the master's bell, 
Now once more I see the spellers, 

And it 'pears I hear 'em spell ; 
Now I see 'em slowly droppin', — 

From the line the beat ones go, 
.Till alone the winner's standin' — 

At that spellin', long ago. 

But the spellers now are scattered 

i\nd are wrinkled, bent and gray ; 
They are all long past the springtime. 

And it's now their autumn day ; 
The schoolhovtse, too, has vanished. 

And the master's long been gone,- 
Is a-sleepin' in the churchyard 

Till the grand Eternal's dawn. 
There is still today some pleasure, 

But the young folks never know 
The delights we had at spellin's 

In the peaceful long ago. 



REMINISCENCES 69 



O'h, there's lots o" things a-goin' — 

Just a-runnin' night and day. 
For to help the modern youngster 

Sort o' pass the time away ; 
Yes, tliey have a lot o' gewgaws 

When they give their Parlor Plays, 
And they spend a lot o' money 

Ohasin' each new fangled craze. 
Now, of course, they have things finer 

And can make a bigger show, 
But I liked the old time spellin' 

Like we had so long ago. 







^ 



RKMINISCENCKS 71 



PAWPAWS FROM OLD JOHNSON. 

You can talk about your banquets 

And the sparkle of your wine, 
You may tell of fancy flubdubs 

In the room whereat you dine — 
'Bout the softly flowin' music 

What will smooth away your care, 
And the many brilliant people 

What you're alius meetin' there ; 
But when hanker 'n after somethin' 

What's the best thing ever eat, 
Get some pawpaws from old Johnson 

When they're meller like and sweet. 

What today folks say is pawpaws 

Ain't the kind we use to see 
When folks left 'em just a-hangin' 

'Till they'd ripen on the tree. 
Some folks 'magine they don't like 'em — 

Other things they'd rather eat — 
But they've never lived in Johnson 

When they're meller like and sweet. 
Mebby banquets suit you better 

Where there's heaps o' flowin' wine, 
But just pawpaws from old Johnson 

Is the kind I'll take for mine. 



72 JIMTOWN 



Nowadays we never see 'em; 

Seems there ain't none anywhere, 
But you saunter down to Johnson 

And I'll bet you'll find 'em there. 
I can see the wooded holler 

Where some beavities use to grow 
Close by where the water's flowin' 

Just so gentle like and slow, 
And can hear the tiny ripple 

Makin' music low and sweet ; 
Yes, there's some things down in Johnson 

What the world ain't never beat. 

Seems 'at there the grass is greener 

And the birds is lots more gay ; 
While perhaps it's just a fancy 

(But to me it 'pears that way), 
In the fall is somethin' floatin' — 

'Pears to be in ever' breeze; 
It's a thing what's born in Johnson 

Down among the pawpaw trees. 
And when once you whiff that flavor, 

'Tis a thing you don't forget 
And at times when sort o' musin' 

I can purt-nigh smell it yet. 



REMINISCENCES 73 



While I know at modern banquets 

Folks can make a swell-like show, 
Yet the place for real good eatin' 

Is down there where pawpaws grow ; 
For it 'pears they bring a spirit 

What is caught by ever'thing. 
And it's most-nigh constant feastin' 

What the days o' pawpaws bring. 
Yes, down there among the pawpaws 

Is the place you ought to eat, 
For there's lots o' things in Johnson 

What the world ain't never beat. 



74 JIMTOWN 



TELL ME NOW. 

Do not come to me bringin' flowers 

And puttin' 'em on my grave, 
If before Death's angel called me 

Just thorns was all that you gave. 
The wreath you place on my coffin, 

Though the lilies are ever so fair, 
Won't smooth no part o' my pathway 

When once I'm a-restin' there. 
If you have got any roses 

To place on my troubled brow, 
Just bring 'em while Fm a-livin' — 

Let me smell their sweetness now. 

Do not come a-singin' praises 

'Bout the noble things I've done, 
If when my heart was discouraged 

You named not a single one. 
The praise what you sing tomorrow, 

Sing it as loud as you will. 
Won't lighten the least o' my burdens 

When I'm all silent and still. 
If I've done deeds what have helped you 

And you've got a word o' cheer, 
Don't wait till I'm gone to tell it. 

But tell it now while I'm here. 



REMINISCENCES 75 

Don't wait till my life is ended 

And my weak spirit has fled ; 
The things what today would cheer me 

Ain't needed after I'm dead. 
'Twon't make my burdens no lighter 

Or pay for a single tear, 
'Twon't bring no sunshine to brighten 

My pathway what once was drear. 
If you have got words o' comfort 

What will smooth my careworn brow, 
Don't wait till I'm dead 'fore speakin', 

But tell me, oh, tell me now ! 



76 JIMTOWN 



WHEN THE WHISTLES BLOW. 

Did you ever stop to listen, 

'Mid the city's noise and din, 
And to wonder at the meanin', 

When the whistles all begin ? 
While there's lots of other noises, 

And there's music soft and low, 
Yet it alius sets me thinkin'. 

When the whistles start to blow. 

I ain't never been a toiler 

What has worked in cities great. 
But when whistles start to blowin', 

I 'most alius stop and wait ; 
And I wonder what's the meanin' 

That the whistle most imparts 
To the many little children — 

To the mothers and sweethearts. 

Then the melody is differ'nt 

From the other times o' day. 
When the ev'nin' whistle's music 

Reaches mother old and gray, 
Then the candle-light what's glowin' 

Through the cottage window pane 
Seems to have an extra sparkle. 

Like the sunshine through the rain. 



REMINISCENCES 'J'J 



While it's nothin' but a whistle, 

And you'd think it 'mounts to naught, 
Yet I s'pect it's got a meanin' 

What some other ears has caught. 
Unto some it's joy and gladness, 

And to some, perhaps, it's woe. 
If we understood the meanin' 

When the whistles start to blow. 



Yes, I often stop and listen 

'Mid the city's noise and din, 
And I wonder if the whistle 

Knows the joy it ushers in 
To the children, wives and sweethearts, 

To the parents old and gray, 
;To the soul what's weary toilin' 

At the endin' o' the day. 

And I think I catch the meanin' 

What the whistle's sound imparts 
To the wives and little children. 

To the parents and sweethearts. 
To the city's humblest cottage. 

To its finest gilded dome. 
It's a wireless signal carried, 

And they read its message, "Home. 



78 JIMTOWN 



As I travel down life's pathway 

And the western sky grows red, 
When the ev'nin' shadows gather, 

And the sunset's just ahead ; 
When I hear the signal whistle 

Tellin' me to cease to roam, 
Will it bring me peace and comfort? 

Will I read the message, "Home?" 



WHY IS IT? 

Ask a boy to hoe the garden 

And my-land ! but how he squirms ! 
But he'll dig up 'most an acre 

For a small supply o' worms. 

Ask a man for half a dollar 

And my goodness ! how he'll croak ! 
But he'll spend just lots o' dollars 

For a few mouthfuls o' smoke. 



REMINISCENCES 79 



SOME THINGS IS FREE. 

If at times you get to thinkin' 

Other folks has more than you, 
It don't get you nary nickel 

When you go to feelin' blue. 
You may have more ready money 

And lots finer things than me, 
But there's alius lots o' sunshine, 

And the Lord has made that free. 

When you go along the highway. 

Don't you take no gloomy view. 
If there's folks a heap-sight richer 

And the land don't b'long to you 
Let 'em own the land and fixin's ; 

There is things for you and me ; 
Take the perfume from the blossoms — 

It's a thing the Lord made free. 

It's all right to have your riches, 

Mebby right to make a show, 
But there's some things, oh my brother, 

W'hat just riches will not grow. 
Let folks tell of fine art gal'ries 

Where they charge to let folks see, 
But the Lord He made the sunset 

And has give it to us free. 



8o TIMTOWN 



While I know it's sometimes gloomy 

If we view the gloomy side, 
And it 'pears we're of'en crowded, 

Yet He's made the heavens wide. 
Just you keep a-gazin' up'ards. 

For there's things for you to see, 
'Cause there's lots o' things, my brother. 

What the Lord has give us free. 



HOW CAN YOU KNOW ? 

These days there is so much o' flubdubs 
And so much o' powder and paint 
That on meetin' your lovely lady 
You wonder 'f she is or ain't. 



REIMINISCENCeS 8l 



OLD YEAR AND THE NEW. 

As a man what sits at ev'iiin' 

At the bedside of a friend 
For to view the placid features 

While a-waitin' for the end, 
And would see the thread what's holdin' 

Keep a-gettin' weak and slim 
('Cause the Lord is most-nigh ready 

For the soul to come to him), 
So tonight I sit a-wonderin' 

What the future will unfold 
As I see the New Year comin' 

And the passin' of the Old. 

And there's somethin' kind o' curious 

In the way a man will do 
As he sees the old things passin' 

And the comin' o' the new. 
When the shadows are a-fallin' 

And the day's a-fadin' fast, 
'Stead o' lookin' to the future 

We're a-clingin' to the past ; 
'Stead o' greetin' o' the livin' 

And a-lookin' on ahead 
We will somehow get to musin' 

And a-thinkin' 'bout the dead. 



82 JIMTOWN 



Tho' the year's been full o' sorrow 

And the days o' toil and care, 
,Tho' the sun was ofttimes hidden 

And the clouds was ever'where. 
With the old we somehow linger 

And will bid our mem'ry stay, 
Shrink away from bright tomorrows, 

Clutc'hin' to a dark today. 
For the sorrow somehow binds us 

To the things we love and know, 
And it's with a sort o' heartache 

That I see the Old Year go. 

Will the new be joyous sunshine 

Or distressed with doubts and fears? 
Will it ring with youthful laughter 

Or be filled with bitter tears ? 
Will we see the gatherin' storm-clouds 

Or the rainbow's glorious hue? 
Will it be all gall and wormwood 

Or be filled with honey-dew? 
Will it be all gloom and shadow 



Or a grand continual dawn ? 
it brighter be or darker 
Than the one what's almost gone? 



REMINISCENCES 83 



Then a thought is borne from somewhere 

And my heart is free o' fear : 
'Tis but ours to hve the present — 

Leave to God the comin' year. 
None can tell what things tomorrow 

Will befall each waitin' heart ; 
'Tis not ours to know the future, 

But each day to do our part. 
For tomorrow is a-hidin' 

In the Future's great unknown, 
Till God's angels lift the curtain 

And the passin' hours are shown. 




>4 












REMINISCENCES 85 



I'D LIKE TO GO A-VIS'TIN'. 

Mebby now the times is differ'nt 

From the times what use to be, 
But there's things about the old ones 

What just someway suited me; 
I'm a-thinkin' in partic'lar 

Of a thing folks use to do — 
How they use to go a-vis'tin' 

And just stay the whole day through. 

Mebby now I'm just old fashioned, 

For there's folks what is that way — 
While the world's a-movin' onward 

They're a-hangin' back someway; 
While new ways may suit you better 

And it's how things ought to be 
Yet the way folks does their callin' 

Is a thing what don't suit me. 

What's the use to go a-vis'tin', 

Where's the pleasure what it brings 
In this way o' modern callin' 

When folks don't take off their things ? 
Mebby it's all right for others 

And perhaps it may suit you, 
But I'd like to go a-vis'tin' 

Like the folks all use to do. 



86 JIMTOWN 



Like to go and see the neighbors — 

There was neighbors then to see! 
While your modern folks is clever, 

They ain't like folks use to be. 
Then we'd go 'long in the mornin' 

And just stay the livelong day; 
And I'd like to be a-livin' 

Where folks visit that-a-way. 

I'd just like to go to dinner 

To the kind we use to get — 
Better lots than modern folkses 

At fine banquets ever et. 
While I s'pose new ways is better, 

And most people think that way, 
Yet I'd like to go a-vis'tin' — 

Like to go and stay all day. 



re;miniscences 87 



WHEN A HAND'S IN YOURN. 

Ain't it curious what a differ 'nee 

In the folks a fellar'll meet, 
'Spec'ly when you've drained your cup full 

And the dregs ain't over sweet, 
When you've sort o' lost your bearin's, 

Are just driftin' round about — 
Just to state the case exactly, 

You are simply down and out. 
Then I like to meet the fellar 

What stays with you foul or fair, 
Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 

Course there's folks with lots o' splutter 

When your star is goin' up, 
But they someway kind o' weaken 

When you come to drain the cup. 
They've got words enough to cheer you 

When you're on the winnin' side, 
But they never think o' boostin' 

When you're up agin the tide. 
Then I like to meet the fellar 

What stays with you foul or fair, 
Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 



JIMTOWN 



Course I s'pose folks ain't just thinkin', 

When they see a man adrift; 
They don't know how much he needs it 

Or they'd surely give a lift. 
But it 'pears they're alius watchin' 

What the winnin' man's about, 
And they never see the fellar 

What is knocked clean down and out. 
Then I like to meet the fellar 

What stays with you foul or fair, 
Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 

He ain't one as does much talkin' 

(That is, words, I mean to say), 
For he mostly does his talkin' 

In a differ'nt sort o' way. 
And oh ! there's a world o' meanin' 

In a handclasp now and then. 
If a fellar ever needs it, 

It is when he's down — right then. 
Then I like to meet the fellar 

What stays with you foul or fair, 
Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 



REMINISCENCES 89 



W'hile it ain't so much the handshake 

And 'tain't nothin' much he'll say, 
But it's somethin' (can't explain it) 

When that fellar comes your way 
What just makes you sort o' feel like 

You just want once more to try, 
And you see a differ'nt linin' 

In the clouds what's driftin' by. 
Yes, you ought to meet the fellar 

What stays with you foul or fair. 
Puts his hand in yourn just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 

Makes one feel like there's a heaven 

And the world's a brighter place. 
When you feel that fellar's handclasp 

And just see his smilin' face; 
Gives you faith in all o' mankind 

When you've had a differ'nt view, 
Sort o' gives a rift o' sunshine 

Where before 'twas dark and blue; 
Yes, I like to meet the fellar 

What stays with me foul or fair, 
Puts his hand in mine just friendly 

And just sort o' leaves it there. 



90 JIMTOWN 



DAWN. 

When the sky's a sort o' glimmer'n' 

And the dark is fadin' 'way, 
When the birds are all a-twitter 

For to greet the comin' day, 
iThough the night, so long and dreary, 

Casts a gloom upon the heart, 
Yet, with mornin's light a-comin', 

'Pears the gloom will all depart. 

As w^e see the darkness vanish — 

Sort o' melt 'way with the dawn — 
And the stars a-gettin' dimmer 

Till the last o" them is gone. 
When the eastern sky is glowin' 

With an unseen hidden light, 
All our burdens someway vanish — 

Sort o' fade 'way with the night. 

I don't know just what's about it. 

But it's alius that-a-way. 
That our burdens all seem lighter 

With the comin' of the day. 
We've been sad and all discouraged 

And our hope was most nigh gone. 
But we waken with new efforts, 

With the comin' of the dawn. 



REMINISCENCES 9I 



Though the night be long and dreary — 

Filled at times with doubts and fears — 
And our long and weary watchin' 

Brings at times most bitter tears, 
Yet our hearts are alius gladdened, 

All our doubts and fears are gone. 
As we see God's hand what's paintin' 

The grand beauty of the dawn. 



92 JIMTOWN 



TOMORROW. 

What's the use o' so much frettin' 

'Cause the time's a-goin' by? 
It won't wait for all your worry — 

'Tain't no use at all to cry. 
S'pose the day ain't all been sunshine, 

S'pose on you its gloom has stretched, — 
There's a whole day of tomorrow 

What ain't never yet been teched. 

What if time to you is lonesome — 

Ain't no friend to cheer your way? 
Mebby you'll meet lots tomorroAv 

And 'twill be a brighter day. 
What if friends it seems have left you ? — 

'Tain't no use o' f eelin' blue ; 
.There's a whole day of tomorrow, 

See then if your friends ain't true. 

W'hat if life seems 'most a failure 

When you've done the best you could? 
What if friends have spurned your friendship 

'Cause they ain't just understood? 
What if gloom be all about you 

And it seems the sun won't shine? 
There's a whole day of tomorrow — 

Mebby it will just be fine. 



REMINISCIINCES 93 



When your life is 'most nigh ended 

And your race is nearly run, 
'Tain't no use to sit lamentin' 

Over things you ain't got done. 
Go to sleep upon God's promise, 

When the curtain's gently stretched, 
There's a whole day what's eternal 

What ain't never yet been teched. 



THE SWEETEST SONG. 

The sweetest singer's sweetest song 
Is not the one what thrills the throng, 
For the song what brings the heavens nigh 
Is my mother's old-time lullaby. 



94 JIMTOWN 



THERE'S FOLKS WORSE OFF. 

When you get to kind o' thinkin' 

That the world's abusin' you, 
And it 'pears there's alius somethin' 

'Gin the things you try to do, 
Don't yoti go and get discouraged, 

'Cause it ain't no use to pout; 
Just you boost some other fellar 

What is knocked clean down and out! 

S'pose it ain't all easy sailin' 

And some storms do come your way; 
'Cause a storm is ragin' 'bout you 

Ain't no sign "twill alius stay ; 
Then the best way to bring sunshine 

And to put the clouds to rout 
Is to boost some other fellar 

W hat is knocked clean down and out. 

'Tain't no use a-gettin' sulky 

Or a-puUin' back — why, say, 
Folks will think you've found your level 

And will simply let you stay. 
When you think the world's agin you, 

Just you show what you can do — 
Sort o' boost some other fellar 

What you find worse oft" than you. 



REMINISCENCES 95 



Say, you'll find it kind o' funny 

'Bout the way 'twill act on you 
If you boost some other fellar 

At a time you're f eelin' blue ; 
'Cause you'll find when you start boostin' — 

Try to help some fellar through — 
'Pears 'at just somehow or other 

There is somethin' boostin' you. 

Yes, when folks it 'pears are 'gin you 

(Least they sort o' act that way), 
Alius 'pear to be a-knockin', 

Never throw a nice bouquet, 
If you've done your best, my brother, 

And ain't nothin' else to do, 
Just you boost some other fellar — 

'Cause there's some worse off than you. 



96 JIMTOWN 



SOME DAY WE WILL UNDERSTAND. 

We know not why misfortune comes, 

Why storms should sweep o'er sea and land 

And leave despair and sorrowed homes — 
These things we cannot understand. 

We know not why dark sorrow comes 
To smite ofttimes the purest hand, 

While base ones have God's smilin' grace, — 
But someday we will understand. 

We know not why pure babes are called. 
Their feet to press that upper strand. 

While villains oft are left on earth, — 
But someday we will understand. 

We know not why some bright life goes. 

In springtime slain by death's cold hand. 

While age ofttimes is left behind, — 
But someday we will understand. 

It is not ours to know the why 

Nor see ofttimes the hidden hand 

What leads us on to higher things; 
It is not ours to understand. 



REMINISCENCES 97 

When tossed about, we oft forget 

O'er all is still God's guidin' hand; 

We oft forget when sore distressed 
To trust in one that understands. 

Someday the clouds will drift apart, 

Someday we'll join the ransomed band ; 

Someday "we'll know as we are known," — 
Yes, someday we will understand. 

The storms may sweep, the billows roll, 
And hide from us the golden strand, 

Till God shall call our spirit home ; 

Yes, then — ^then we will understand. 



98 JIMTOWN 



THERE'S A TURN SOMEWHERE. 

There's a turn in the road somewhere — 

Keep on. 
On reachin' some dark lonesome spot, 
When falter'n' whe'er to do or not. 
Just show the kind o' faith you've got — 

Keep on. 
When all about the shadows lurk, 

Keep on. 
If the path is shadowy, rough and steep, 
Hard for your falter'n' feet to keep, 
Somewhere ahead the sunbeams peep — 

Keep on. 

K fate it 'pears ain't favored you, 

Keep on. 
Though some may laugh and jeer and jest, 
Mebby the path you're in is best 
For helpin' some soul what's distressed — 

Keep on. 
If failure comes when strugglin' hard, 

Keep on. 
Your failures mebby ain't as bad 
As is success some folks has had ; 
Some folks with your luck would be glad — 

Keep on. 



REMINISCENCES 99 

If storms are sweepin' 'round you now, 

Keep on. 
It ain't no time to stop and sigh; 
Wait till the clouds have floated by; 
Somewhere ahead it's all blue sky — 

Keep on. 
Friend, when it 'pears the worst has come, 

Keep on. 
If the path is dark and of pleasures bare. 
With nothin' in sight but toil and care, 
.There's surely a turn in the road somewhere- 

Keep on. 




iS^ 

c 



&5 






5m 

I 



REMINISCENCES lOI 



THE THINGS OF LONG AGO. 

'Way back yonder 'mong the cobwebs, 

In a place the sun don't fall, 
Where the mold is on the ceilin' 

And a-clingin' to the wall, 
Where the door creaks on its hinges — 

In a dingy attic room 
(And there wasn't no companions 

But the cobwebs and the gloom) — 
It was there one day I wandered ; 

Why I went there I don't know. 
In a place like that I found 'enii — 

Found the things of long ago. 

There's a curious sort o' feelin' 

Runs clean through a body when, 
Havin' stumbled on some trinkets, 

They recall the days what's been. 
Mebby it is just a plaything, 

Or a copper-toed old shoe, 
Mebby it's an old time album. 

With the folks your folks all knew. 
They are things I'd thought forgotten. 

And I wonder why it's so — 
That I have that curious feelin' 

'Mong- the thinsfs of long ago. 



I02 JIMTOWN 



All my thoughts somehow drift backward 

In a dreamy sort o' way 
As I view the things discarded 

For the fine ones of today. 
All at once I'm livin' wholly 

In a day what's long been gone, 
And the room is filled with sunshine 

Where before 'twas most forlorn. 
Tho" the things are old and faded, 

Somehow they've a differ'nt glow 
When again you start to livin' 

In the days of long ago. 

Once again I'm just a youngster 

Back at the old home; and then 
All the faces in the album 

Softly speak to me again. 
And I hear the laughin' children, 

And the hum o' buzzin' bees, 
Just as plain as when a youngster 

And we played beneath the trees ; 
And I hear the bob-whites whistlin', 

While the doves are cooin' low, 
As my memi'ry takes me backward 

To the days of long ago. 



REMINISCENCES 103 



With my eyes shut sort o' gentle, 

All the past comes more to view ; 
Now again old things have taken 

Back their places from the new, 
And the things we thought old fashioned, 

Honest things we throwed away, 
Somehow seem a heap-sight better 

Than the ones we use today. 
But alas ! my dream is broken 

By some one who calls me ; so, 
I must turn away with sadness 

From the things of long ago. 

No doubt newer things are better — 

They're the things for folks today ; 
But I somehow can't help thinkin' 

That I'd have the old things stay. 
But old Time lets no one linger — 

Youth must take the place of age; 
In the book of life's hard journey 

We must turn each finished page. 
I suppose the world needs progress. 

For the folks all says it's so ; 
But somehow my heart keeps sobbin' 

For the things of Ions: aeo. 



I04 JIMTOWN 



DEATH. 

Death ! I wonder what's about it 

That we all should fear it so, 
For the best folks what's a-livin' 

Kind o' dread it, don't you know — 
Just the crossin' of the ocean, 

And it's not so awful wide, 
And the folks I've seen a-crossin' 

Sort o' drifted with the tide. 

We'll foretell about the beauty 

Of the glorious other side, 
But it seems we ain't just ready 

For the driftin' with the tide. 
We will fight agin the current, 

Tho' the sea looks calm and fair ; 
We keep clingin' to the anchor, 

Yet we'd like it over there. 

Now the pilot's old and trusty. 

Knows each spot down in the deep. 
Knows just when to seek the current 

And when right straight on to keep. 
Yet when shadows are a-fallin' 

And the pilot points the way. 
We will somehow shrink from startin'. 

Yet why should we want to stay? 



REMINISCENCES IO5 



We may be in awful mis-ry 

And say how we'd like to go, 
But we wouldn't start the journey 

If there wasn't one to row. 
Mebby we are sick and helpless — 

Heartache's 'bout all what we know, 
Yet we'll put off time o' startin', 

Somehow dreadin' for to go. 



Tho' most all our friends are over 

And we live almost alone, 
We will cling to what's a-holdin' 

Until in the tide we're thrown. 
We won't let go o' the anchor, 

Yet we're anxious for to go ; 
We'll put off the day o' startin' — 

And I wonder why it's so. 



If somehow we could look closer. 

Let faith take the place o' fear, 
fThink about the bright shore yonder. 

It would not seem far from here. 
For it ain't a great big voyage 

Just to go to t'other side ; 
Yet we somehow dread the startin', 

And the gulf it 'pears so wide. 



I06 JIMTOWN 



Sometimes when we think o' goin' 

We could wish the time more near, 
Yet we someway dread the startin' 

When we find it's most-nigh here. 
'iTain't that you're afraid o" heaven, 

Or ain't wantin' for to go — 
It's because you dread the startin'. 

And you can't tell why it's so. 

Most folks tell me death ain't nothin', 

But to me it don't seem so, 
For when time for crossin's comin' 

We ain't just prepared to go. 
There is somethin' 'bout the crossin' — 

Somethin' 'bout death we don't know- 
For we all do dread the startin', 

But we can't tell why it's so. 



REMINISCENCES IO7 



IT'S UP TO YOU. 

When the world's a-goin' crooked, 

Or it looks that way to you — 
Somehow seems to be a tangle 

To 'most ever'thing you do; 
When you start out of a mornin' 

With your luck a-runnin' wrong, 
Then the birds along your pathway 

Have a harshness in their song, 
And the grass though soft as velvet. 

You will sort o' stumble through. 
Sich times, if you want things better, 

Friend, it's mostly up to you. 

There is days you start out workin' 

And no differ'nce what you do, 
You are sure to get it tangled. 

But I 'low it's mostly you. 
When you try to get things straighter 

And they keep a-gettin' worse. 
If you can't undo the tangle, 

What's the use to fret and curse? 
For if you will stop and reason 

(Though I'll warrant things look blue), 
You'll confess it's you needs changin'. 

Friend, it's mostly up to you. 



I08 JIMTOWN 



If it rains when you want sunshine 

And it's dry when you want rain, 
Mebby what we get is needed 

For some field o' growin' grain ; 
If it's dark when you want sunshine 

And aglow when you want gloom, 
That's the way the Lord has made it — 

What's the use to fret and fume? 
While we're in this land o' mortals 

We've just got to fight it through. 
And if you want things more cheerful. 

Friend, it's mostly up to you. 

When you think your friends have left you, 

And you worry hour by hour, 
Mebby all what makes the trouble 

Is because you're some'at sour. 
When another gets the roses 

And the thorns is left for you, 
Mebby friends has got discouraged 

'Cause your thanks is overdue. 
Mebby others need the posies — 

Leastways that's the better view. 
If you want bouquets thrown your way, 

Friend, it's mostly up to you. 



REMINISCENCES 109 



jTain't hard goin' with the current, 

Or a-workin' your own way, 
But when things somehow get tangled, 

Then it takes a man who'll stay. 
'Tain't hard smilin' with the sunshine, 

But it's durin' stormy spells, 
When our weary feet are slippin' 

That the stuff what's in us tells. 
No, — you won't have flowers alius 

In the paths you travel through ; 
Still, if you would have things better, 

Friend, it's mostly up to you. 



no JIMTOWN 



THE WORLD'S GOT LOTS O' SUNSHINE. 

Oh the world's got lots o' shadows, 

But there's lots o' sunshine too, 
And at times when clouds are hangin' 

There is spots where light comes through. 
While our day must have its night time, 

Yet there's land where all is bright. 
And the darkest night 'twas ever 

Melts away with mornin's light. 

While I know there's lots o' heartaches, 

Yet there's alius some glad song, 
And the time for folks to sing it 

Is a time when things seem wrong. 
While I know there's lots o' teardrops, 

Yet there's lots o' sunny smiles 
And a lot o' cheer in thinkin' 

Of the joy of afterwhiles. 

W^hile I know there's lots o' sorrow. 

Yes, and lots o' pain and care. 
And admittin', when discouraged, 

That there's sadness ever'where; 
Though our pack is of'en heavy 

And our hearts oft torn with grief. 
Yet there's promised joy eternal, 

While on earth our woe is brief. 



REMINISCENCES III 



While I know there's lots o' storm-clouds 

O'er the land we travel through, 
Yet there's lots depends, I've noticed, 

On a f ellar's point o' view : 
If you're lookin' for the shadows. 

Why, it's shadows what you'll see, 
But be lookin' for the sunshine 

;Then it's sunshine what 'twill be. 

Yes, the world's got lots o' sunshine 

If we'll only hunt it out. 
And at times when clouds are hangin' 

Let hope take the place o' doubt. 
Though our pack is of'en heavy 

And our pleasures few at best, 
Just keep on a-strivin', Brother, 

Till the Lord shall whisper, "Rest." 



112 JIMTOWN 



WHAT LIES BEYOND. 

Beyond the stars in Heaven's deep, 
Beyond, where sunbeams never creep. 
Beyond this realm of toil and care, 
I ofttimes wonder what's out there, 

HI could travel on and on 
Where thought of man has never gone, 
Beyond bright hope or dark despair ! — 
I ofttimes wonder what's out there. 

If I could go where time's unknown — 
Transcend this sphere to Heaven's own — 
Yes, on and on through space untold — 
What visions would my eyes behold ! 

Folks say beyond, in Heaven's deep, 
God's angels constant vigil keep ; 
That if I'd travel on and on. 
Still far beyond God's love has gone. 

Yet, gazin' up in Heaven's sea. 
The thought ofttimes will come to me, 
What lies beyond the heavens fair? 
Someway I wonder what's out there. 



REMINISCENCES 113 



EACH LIFE HAS ITS BURDEN. 

Each life has got lots o' burdens, 

Yes, lots o' worry and care. 
And it 'pears there ain't no pathway 

But what there is burdens there. 
{There is times it's easy sailin', 

And life's sea looks calm and fair. 
But someday the storm will strike us. 

Yet we know not when nor where. 

Our youth mebby's filled with sunshine, 

And out heart is light and gay. 
But someday the clouds will gather — 

Someday they'll darken our way. 
Someday the tempest will strike us. 

Someday we'll hear its wild call. 
Yes, somewhere along life's pathway 

Sorrow is waitin' us all. 

With some it 'pears it's all sunshine. 

With some sorrow's ever'where; 
But each, I'm told, has his pleasures. 

And each his worry and care. 
Each soul must bear its burden^ — 

Sometimes with few to befriend ; 
Yes, each must travel the journey — 

Strive on till reachin' the end. 




'The Failure.'' 



REMINISCENCES II5 



THE FAILURE. 

Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

Placed alongside lots o' men. 
And the things what I've accomplished 

Ain't just what they'd oughter been. 
Folks must think I'm slow and shiftless, 

That I don't amount to much. 
For there's never no successes 

To the biznesses I touch. 

Yes, I reckon I'm a failure. 

For my bank account ain't big, 
And while others are a-trav'lin' 

I must stay at home and dig. 
I have spent my years a-toilin' 

And old age is on me now, 
Yet today there ain't no laurels 

What's a-restin' on my brow. 

Yes, I reckon' I'm a failure, 

From the standpoint of the rich. 
And they look on me in pity 

As I'm toilin' in the ditch ; 
And my daughters ain't a-dressin' 

Near as fine as some I know, 
And there's lots o' pleasant places 

Where they can't afford to go. 



Il6 JIMTOWN 



Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

From the point o' winnin' fame, 
'Cause I's alius slow and ploddin' — 

Ain't no handles on my name. 
I'm not called on much for speakin' 

And few care 'bout things I've said 
And 'fore long I'll be a-sleepin' 

'Mong the countless unknown dead. 

Yes, I reckon' I'm a failure. 

As for all the world can see. 
But there's still a little circle 

What's got lots o' faith in me. 
Ain't no stylish club what wants me, 

And such places I ain't been. 
But there's just a few would place me 

'Mongst the finest of the men. 

Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

From the point o' massin' wealth. 
But I've kept my home in plenty. 

And we're all enjoyin' health. 
We ain't alius ready money. 

And we can't afford to roam, 
Yet we get a lot o' pleasure 

Just a-toilin' here at home. 



REMINISCENCES 11/ 



Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

Or the world would have it so, 
For the way it counts successes. 

Mine's been very few, I know. 
While no doubt there's lots o' pleasure 

When your star is goin' up. 
Yet it 'pears the toil put sweetness 

In the bottom of my cup. 

Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

Or it's what most people say; 
'Pears I ain't got much accomplished. 

And I'm gettin' old and gray ; 
Never held no public office. 

Never done no famous deed. 
Yet I've got my little fam'ly. 

And I've kept 'em out o' need. 

Yes, I reckon I'm a failure. 

For I never kept in touch 
With the things what makes men famous. 

And so don't amount to much. 
Yet I've kept my home in plenty — 

iThough it's been a ceaseless strife — 
And I see when lookin' backward 

Lots o' happiness in life. 



Il8 JIMTOWN 



Yes, I reckon I'm a failure, 

As for all the world can see. 
And just sort o' slow and shiftless 

Is the way they've listed me. 
Mebby some what like it better 

When they've money for to roam. 
But I get a lot o' pleasure 

Just a-toilin' for my home. 

Yes, I'm listed as a failure, 

And I'm listed right, I guess, 
'Cause the things I've undertaken 

Have been failures more or less ; 
Yet if I was startin' over — 

Had a life to live again — 
Dunno as I'd have it differ'nt 

From just what my life has been. 



REMINISCENCES 119 



BOYS WHAT'S IN THE WAY. 

Ain't nothin' much some boys can do, 

No place much where they can stay 
'Thout the grown folks is a-grumblin' 

'Bout 'em bein' in the way. 
They don't want 'em in the parlor 

Or to romp along the hall, 
And kids' hands will sure tech somethin^ 

If they stand along the wall. 

Course their feet are rather clumsy 

And they make just lots o' noise, 
And then rugs ain't made to step on — 

Or it seems that way to boys. 
They just seem to be a nuisance, 

And they hear it ever' day, 
'Cause their folks is alius grumblin' 

'Bout 'em bein' in the way. 

But remember there is someplace 

Where a boy can alius stay. 
And remember there is someone 

What don't think him in the way. 
If your house is most too tidy 

For your boy to come and stay, 
He will hunt some other corner 

Where he ain't in someone's way. 



120 JIMTOVVN 



Ain't you ever caught the i-dee 

That a boy must stay somewhere? 
If the place ain't 'round your fireside, 

In the street he'll find it there. 
There is places what's a-callin' 

For your noisy boy today, 
And they're almost sure to get him 

If you find him in the way. 

Someday you will spurn the nothin's 

What adorns your fancy room, 
For the gild will lose its glitter 

And will cast a sort o' gloom. 
You would give it all and freely, 

As alone you sit and wait, 
For one hour o' that boy's racket 

When alas ! it is too late ! 



If you want to save the heartaches 

And not pay too dear a price, 
If you want to make him manly, 

And immune from sin and vice. 
Don't you have such fancy fixin's 

That your boy can't come and stay- 
Don't forever be a-grumblin' 

'Bout him bein' in the way. 



REMINISCENCES 121 



WE HAVE BUT .TODAY. 

I suppose it's sort o' human 

For folks to act that-a-way — 
To put off until tomorrow 

What ought to be done today — 
Just kind o' wastin' the present; 

And yet we mean to be good, 
But keep forever a-sayin' 

Someday we'll do as we should. 

Sometime we'll conquer bad habits, 

Someday we'll put 'em away. 
While somethin' just keeps a-sayin' 

It ought to be done today. 
Sometime we will do the kindness 

What will smooth some careworn brow 
We'll speak a kind word tomorrow, 

But somethin' keeps whisperin' "Now." 

Sometime, someday, we keep sayin'. 

As day after day goes by; 
We loiter away life's springtime 

Till age with its cares is nigh ; 
Words what today should be spoken ! 

Deeds what today should be done ! 
Tomorrow we'll fight the battle. 

When today it should be won. 



122 JIMTOWN 



Thus ever we keep on sayin' 

From youth till we bear old age, 
A-waitin' until tomorrow 

For to write our brightest page, 
Till Death's cold hand is upon us ; 

Then, when we ask for delay. 
He silently draws the curtain 

And whispers the word — "Today." 

My brother, the past has left you. 

The future is yet unknown ; 
The present is all that's given, 

'Tis all we can call our own. 
It ain't no use to be tellin' 

'Bout what you will do someday; 
God holds the past, and the future 

Has given you just — today. 



REMINISCENCES 123 



DON'.T FORGET TO OIL THE WHEELS. 

When you see a fancy carriage 

Come a-racin' down the street, 
Hear the dazzlin' wheels a-hummin' 

And the horses' clatter'n' feet, 
And the folks what's ridin' in it 

Act as if they own the earth, 
And there wer'n't a sorrow in it — 

Don't you hanker for their mirth? 

Kind o' fills your soul with envy 

As you watch them fellars go. 
And you're kind o' 'shamed o' Dobbin, 

'Cause he jogs along so slow, 
And you think the world ain't equal ; 

There's a rankle in your heart, 
'Cause the folks what went a-past you, 

'Pears like had the finest start. 

But you keep a-joggin' onward 

In a steady slow-like pace. 
And you mebby pass the fellars 

What you thought had won the race. 
They have mebby sealed their onm fate — 

It's a little thing what seals. 
In the hurry of the startin' 

They forgot to oil the wheels ! 



124 JIMTOWN 



When you strike the world o' bizness 

Where it's jostle, crowd and press, 
And you've got to keep a-movin' 

If you ever win success; 
When the crowd is rushin' past you 

And it 'pears that you are gone, 
Don't give up just yet, my brother. 

Oil the wheels — keep joggin' on. 

It don't matter what's your station : 

If you want the most o' life. 
If you long for joy and pleasure. 

Or the bizness world o' strife. 
If you want to be a winner — 

Feel the joy a winner feels — 
Just remember this, my brother — 

You have got to oil the wheels. 



REMINISCENCES I25 



PLAY BALL. 

Ain't you heard upon the diamond, 

"Play ball" ? 
When some fellar 'gins to balk 
And starts in a jawin' talk 
While the others stand and gawk, 

Play ball. 
When the umpire's rulin' wrong, 

Play ball. 
It don't help a single mite 
When you stop and want to fight ; 
Play like vict'ry was in sight — 

Play ball ! 

All the world's a diamond, brother — 

Play ball. 
World ain't carin' 'bout your kicks ; 
Knockers ain't the ones it picks, 
But the man what plays and sticks. 

Play ball. 
If another's in the limelight. 

Play ball. 
S'pose your knocked clean out o' line? 
'Tain't no use to stop and whine; 
Tell the world the game is fine — 

Play ball ! 



126 TIMTOWN 



When it 'pears none see your efforts, 

Play ball 
'Tain't all players what's a star, 
And on tryin' there's no bar ; 
Keep things movin' where you are — 

Play ball. 
If the nine don't 'pear to need you, 

Play ball. 
'Tain't no use to sit and pout. 
Join the rooters and then shout; 
Help the other players out — 

Play ball ! 

If you're winnin' or a-losin', 

Play ball. 
S'pose you fail to win a name? 
Keep a-tryin' just the same; 
Alius die a-fightin' game — 

Play ball. 
When misfortune keeps a-comin', 

Play ball. 
Never stop because o' pride. 
Do your best agin the tide; 
Act like luck was on your side — 

Play ball ! 



REMINISCENCES 127 



'Tain't no use to be a knocker. 

Play ball. 
Never mind what some have said, 
Just try boostin' now instead. 
Play as if you're still ahead — 

Play ball. 
If you're left and 'most forgotten, 

Play ball. 
Some good players don't win fame; 
'iTain't all winnin' of a name; 
Show the world you're in the game — 

Play ball. 



128 TIMTOWN 



WHERE LIGHT AND SHADOWS BLEND. 

There's a time what's 'bout as pleasin' 

As a common fellar'll meet — 
Time what's somehow sort o' sooth in' 

And sure restful just to greet ; 
It's when day is just beginnin' 

Or has 'most come to an end. 
'Pears the Lord's put all the beauty 

Where the light and shadows blend. 

In the mornin' when the sunbeams 

'Gin to bring their gift o' light 
To a world just waked from slumber 

And the darkness o' the night, 
And the stars are gettin' dimmer 

As they slowly fade away, 
And the sky's a-bulge with beauty 

For to greet the comin' day; 

In the ev'nin' when the sunset 

Greets our beauty lovin' eyes 
And the stars they 'gin a-comin' 

With a flicker o' surprise, 
And the grass it sort o' brightens 

As it drinks the ev'nin' dew, 
And it 'pears someway the stillness 

Is a-talkin', like, to you ; 



REMINISCENCES I29 



Then it is — if morn or ev'nin' — 

When the sky's a reddish gray, 
And you'd hardly call it nighttime, 

And it ain't just what's called day. 
But it's when one's just beginnin' 

And the other's 'bout to end. 
That the Lord put all the beauty 

Where the light and shadows blend. 




Lonesome. 



REMINISCENCES I3I 



WHEN YOUR MA HAS GONE AWAY. 

Ain't it queer how a chap what's grown 

Will feel when his ma's away? 
Ain't nothin' just to his likin', 

No place where he likes to stay. 
Mebby things then ain't no diifer'nt 

Than they are when she is there, 
But you know, it seems that someway 

There's somethin' somehow ain't there. 
'Pears 'at ever'thin' 'round is stiller 

And 'at nothin' ain't near as gay, 
But act just like they was lonesome 

'Cause your ma has gone away. 

Call it lonesome, but that don't spell it, 

Don't tell enough, for, you see, 
There's somethin' (I can't explain it) 

Comes a-creepin' over me. 
You feel it some in the sunshine, 

But oh ! when comin' on night ! — 
Seems just like your faith's been fadin' — 

Sort o' went out with the light. 
While I am no longer a youngster, 

And you'd think I wouldn't — but say! 
There's times when I have that feelin' 

Like when my ma was away. 



132 JIMTOWN 



Yes, times when I have that feelin', 

Though I'm wrinkled now and gray; 
There is times I feel so lonesome 

'Cause somethin' took her away. 
And I watch from morn till noontime, 

From noon till far into night 
And on through the night till mornin' 

Hopin' she'll come with the light. 
And oft when alone at nighttime 

I watch and listen, until 
It 'pears I 'most hear the music 

Of a voice what's long been still. 

And there's times it 'pears like nighttime 

Though it's only the noon o' day. 
For there's shadows what keep a-crowdin'- 

Seems I can't quite drive 'em away. 
Sometimes in the gloom and darkness, 

Just beyond where I can see, 
It 'pears 'at someway there's someone 

What's longin' to speak to me. 
But I grope on through the darkness, 

A-wishin' for break o' day, 
For my heart is sad and lonesome, 

'Cause my ma she's gone away. 



REMINISCENCES 133 



HAVE A PURPOSE. 

When you start across life's ocean, 

Don't go driftin' with the tide; 
Pick a star out yonder someplace — 

Let it be your constant guide. 
Alius have a settled t-dee 

Of the thing you want to do, 
'Cause you're sure to wake up stranded 

If you've nothin' much in view. 

Don't drift 'round just sort o' aimless — 

'Keep your eye upon your goal ; 
It's the ship what's lost it's bearin's 

What is wrecked upon the shoal. 
Just pick out a spot for landin', 

Then go sailin' straight on through; 
Don't you mind no side attractions — 

Keep your landin' spot in view. 

'Less in life you have a purpose. 

You are sure some day to find 
All the better places taken 

While you're makin' up your mind; 
And it's straight-on steady sailin' 

What will put that purpose through; 
But you're sure to wake up stranded 

If you've nothin' much in view. 



134 JIMTOVVN 



FUTURE GIVIN' AIN'T MUCH HELP. 

What's the use to be a-tellin' 

What you'll do in days to come — 
How some day you'll help the needy 

With a grand and princely sum ? 
All this talk o' future givin' 

Ain't much help ; but well now, say, 
There's a lot o' help, my brother, 

In the gift you give today. 

You expect to do a kindness 

What Avill help some heart to cheer — 
Help to drive away the shadows 

From some life o'ercome with fear. 
It's all right to be a-plannin' 

For the future that-a-way, 
But the thing what counts, my brother. 

Is the deed you done today. 

You intend some day to whisper 

To some poor discouraged soul — 
Try to give his sad heart courage 

To keep strivin' for the goal. 
Ain't much help to souls discouraged 

In the talk you'll give some day, 
But there's souls a-hunger'n', brother, 

For a word from you today. 



REMINISCENCES 135 



WHEN I \\^\KE UP SKEERED AT NIGHT. 

I use to when I was little 

Wake up in the night-time skeered ; 
There wasn't nothin' to be skeered of, 

But someway I was just feared, 
Till mother was there beside me — 

Then she took way all the skeer 
When she'd say, just sort o' low like, 

"Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 

Someway ever'thing looks bigger. 

Leastways all the bad things do; 
It's that-a-way with me and brother — 

Now ain't it that-a-way with you? 
Other folks say that I'm foolish, 

'Tain't no use at all to skeer. 
But mother'd say sort o' low like, 

''Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 

I don't Icnow why 'at most youngsters 

Will just feel that sort o' way. 
Be so awful skeered o' night-time 

When they ain't at all in the day, 
But I know someway it leaves you. 

And there ain't no more o' fear. 
When mother says sort o' low like, 

"Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 



136 JIMTOWN 



All the noises they sound differ'nt 

In the dark from when it's light, 
And you see the strangest goblins 

When you wake up skeered at night ; 
But the goblins they all vanish — 

Fly away just like the skeer — 
When mother says, sort o' low like, 

"Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 

Goblins they don't never linger 

And don't perch upon your bed 
When mother is there beside you 

With her hand upon your head. 
I don't care for dark nor nothin', 

But feel just like it was light 
If mother is there beside me 

When I wake up in the night. 

When death's night overtakes me 

And I see the fadin' light, 
iThen I'll shrink away in terror, 

'Cause I am so skeered at night; 
But when day is most-nigh ended 

It will take 'way all the fear 
If I hear some one say, low like, 

"Go to sleep, child, mother's here." 



REMINISCENCES I37 . 



RAGTIME. 

It's all right if folks has culture — 
Like to see 'em act that way ; 

'Pears the world's more kind o' steady- 
When you're 'round where fine folks stay. 

I suppose you'll think I'm giddy 

(Mebby sounds that way to you), 

But I like a little ragtime 

When I'm sort o' feelin' blue. 

You may think it sort o' trashy ; 

Mebby 'tain't the proper thing, 
And the songs what is more classic 

Is the songs folks ought to sing. 
Still I've of'en someway noticed 

When I'm sort o' out o' line, 
Just you start a little ragtime 

And I'm just a-feelin' fine. 

Sort o' 'pears there's somethin' 'bout it 

(Wliat it is I can't just say) 
Seems to make things look lots brighter — 

Kind o' drives the cares away. 
And I'll bet at times you've noticed 

That it acts that way on you, 
If folks start a-singin' ragtime 

When you're sort o' feelin' blue. 



138 JIMTOWN 



You may say it should be banished, 

We should be more dignified, 
n^rain our thoughts to shun such nonsense 

And with higher things abide. 
Mebby 'tain't the kind o' music 

What will teach folks proper art, 
Yet I like to hear some ragtime 

When I'm sort o' out o' heart. 

While I like to see folks serious 

And not act too light and gay 
('Pears to make this life worth livin' 

When you're 'round where good folks stay). 
Still it 'pears I just can't help it — 

'Mebby 'tain't that way with you — 
But I like to hear some ragtime 

When I'm sort o' feelin' blue. 



REMINISCENCES 139 



AIN'T YOU THANKFUL JUST TO LIVE? 

When you waken in the mornin' 

And the sunHght's bringin' day, 
And you hear the robin's chirpin' 

And the chatter of the jay ; 
When a blend o' gold and purple 

Comes across the eastern sky, 
And the grass is all a-sparkle 

Where the diamonds thickly lie. 
While the breeze so soft and meller 

Somehow sort o' 'pears to give 
A benign and peaceful feelin' — 

Ain't you thankful just to live? 

In the springtime when you wander 

Down among the orchard trees, 
Where the peach and apple blossoms 

Waft their perfume on the breeze; 
When the warm sun makes you lazy 

As you gaze up in the sky — 
Buildin' lots o' fairy castles 

In the clouds what's floatin' by; 
When the things around's so peaceful 

That to you they somehow give 
A serene and peaceful feelin' — 

Ain't you thankful just to live? 



I40 JIMTOWN 



In the summer when you're restin', 

While the hot sun's beatin' down ; 
When you've sHpped from noise and hustle 

And the turmoil of the town — 
Left your plow and horses restin' 

At the heat-time of the day, 
And to woodland's shady bowers 

Have enticed yourself away; 
When among the trees and silence, 

Don't they somehow 'pear to give, 
A benign and peaceful f eelin' ? 

Ain't you thankful just to live? 

In the fall-time when you wander 

(Though there's work you'd oughter do)- 
Wander 'long the old crick bottom 

And just bum the whole day through; 
When, away from lofty buildin's, 

You have thrown aside your care 
And just drink in Nature's sweetness 

From her sunshine, sky and air, 
While the ripple of the water 

Somehow sort o' 'pears to give 
A serene and peaceful feelin' — 

Ain't you thankful just to live? 



REMINISCENCES I4I 

Ain't there times nozv in the twiHght, 

When the world is sort o' still, 
That it kind o' takes you baclcward 

Where you hear the whip-poor-will ? 
Don't your mem'ry paint a picture 

Back o' years you've traveled through ? 
Don't you live again back yonder 

'Mong the scenes your childhood knew ? 
Don't the musin' sort o' rest you — 

Don't it somehow 'pear to give 
Just a calm and peaceful feelin' ? 

Ain't you thankful just to live? 



142 JIMTOWN 



AIN'T 'TODAY JUST FINE? 

We are apt to get discouraged 

If our road's been sort o' rough — 
If we've been a-havin' failures 

'Cause our luck has all been tough — 
And we're natcherly some grouchy 

If our sun don't alius shine, 
But hold up awhile and notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 

Don't you grieve yourself 'cause fortune 

Ain't come 'round to kiss your brow. 
Can't do nothin' with past sorrows — 

Pluck the pleasures growin' now. 
When things go a little crossways 

And you're knocked clean out o' line. 
Just you stop awhile and notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 

If it rained a lot last summer 

Or the year was most too dry, 
If your crops was 'most a failure 

It's too late to start and cry. 
S'pose the winter was some gloomy 

And the sun refused to shine ; 
Stop awhile and take some notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 



REMINISCENCES I43 



Mebby we have had misfortune, 

Mebby things ain't went our way ; 
Last week it was all a-tangle — 

But look what it is today ! 
Ain't no use to keep a-grievin' 

'Bout the days the sun don't shine; 
Just you stop awhile and notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 

Course I don't know what's your troubles, 

Or the trials you've had, but then, 
Likely if you stop and study, 

'Tain't as bad as might 'a' been. 
When the trouble's all blowed over, 

Then you'd better laugh than whine, 
'Cause if you will stop and notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 

We ain't livin' 'way back yonder 

In them days a month ago, 
But it's how to use the present 

Is the thing you want to know. 
Ain't no doubt the past was gloomy 

(As for trouble, I've had mine), 
But let's stop awhile and notice — 

Ain't today just nice and fine? 







^ 



REMINISCENCES I45 



SPARK PLUGS MISSIN' FIRE. 

You can stand a lot o' knockin' 

And just take a lot o' sass, 
You may let folks do their talkin' 

And just think o' soundin' brass ; 
You may take advice from many 

And not say a single word, — 
You may stand their ceaseless racket 

And let on you never heard ; 
You may have just lots o' patience, 

But a thing to raise your ire 
Is when twenty miles from nowhere 

The spark plugs start missin' fire. 

Now a horse can act contrary 

And sometimes won't pull the load ; 
You can do a lot o' coaxin', 

But you stay there in the road ; 
You get out and fix the harness, 

Or at least pretend you do — 
Sort o' loosen up the collar 

And pull up a strap or two. 
You can bet it's aggravatin', 

But the thing to raise your ire 
Is when twenty miles from nowhere 

;The spark plugs start missin' fire. 



146 JIMTOWN 



It may make you sort o' fussy 

When you come a lively rate, 
Rush up to the ticket window, 

Find the train is two hours late, 
Or you come a sort o' racin' 

For to catch the final car — 
See it 'bout two blocks a-leavin'. 

But 'tain't near as bad by far 
As some things what I've seen happen. 

Nor 'twon't ruffle up your ire 
Like when twenty miles from nowhere 

The spark plugs start missin' fire. 

When you're showin' oft" your auto 

To a lot o' country folks, 
When it gets to sort o' balkin' 

You'd heap rather swear than coax. 
When you're spinnin' 'long the roadway 

And a-talkin' auto slang, 
Then without a moment's warnin' 

It just sputters 'long — then bang! — 
Just a-spittin' and a- jerkin' — 

Then it stops right in the mire, 
'Cause you're twenty miles from nowhere 

And them plugs is missin' fire. 



REMINISCENCES I47 



When the thing starts in a-sputter'n' 

And a-actin' that-a-way, 
You get out a-thinkin' somethin' 

What you hardly dare to say. 
You get down, a-gazin' starward 

(Tho' your thoughts are t'other way), 
And if folks weren't standin' 'bout you 

Ain't no tellin' what you'd say. 
It wilts down your linen collar, 

But it stiffens up your ire 
When you're twenty miles from nowhere 

With them plugs a-missin' fire. 

Oh there's other things might happen 

What would sort o' make you blue; 
We don't alius see the- linin' 

Where it's got the silver hue ; 
There's some folks can hold their tempers, 

Make their knocks a sort o' jest, 
But when out joy auto ridin' 

.They're 'bout like 'most all the rest. 
You can bet when that thing happens 

It's the thing 'twill raise their ire 
When they're twenty miles from nowhere 

With the spark plugs missin' fire. 



148 JIMTOWN 



WHEN YOU GET A TOOTHACHE. 

I've observed folks with the "jimjams" 

What cavort in a curious way, 
And I s'pose they couldn't help it — 

Least that's what they alius say. 
It is sometimes most distressin' 

For to see 'em carryin' on, 
With another spell a-comin' 

'Fore the last one's hardly gone. 
If I'd never had the toothache 

Then the jimjams sure would seem 
Like the limit. But the toothache — 

Gosh ! it ain't no fairy dream. 

I've observed folks with a fever 

What complained o' liver chills, 
When they dosed theirselves with quinine 

And a lot o' blue-mass pills ; 
I've observed chaps with the earache, 

Which I 'Ipw is 'bout as bad 
As 'most any common ailment 

What a youngster ever had, 
And I know it's mighty painful 

By the way I've heard 'em scream. 
Oh but when you get a toothache ! 

Gosh ! it ain't no fairy dream. 



REMINISCENCES I49 



I've observed folks with the "jaiiders" 

And with measles, croup and cold 
And with lots o' differ'nt ailments 

What affects both young and old. 
I've observed 'em with the colic, 

With the whoopin' cough and itch, 
And I've seen 'em go a-stoopin' 

'Cause their back has got a stitch. 
And I've seen 'em have the nightmare 

iTill they're dyin' — so 'tw^ould seem. 
Oh but when you get a toothache ! 

Gosh! it ain't no fairy dream. 

I allow we all have troubles 

And there's many an ache and pain, 
'Cause the path o' most us mortals 

Is a rough and stony lane. 
'Tain't all strewn with scented roses, — 

It ain't even thornless stems, — 
And we of'en find it's pebbles 

When we thought 'twas sparklin' gems. 
Brainy M. D.'s write their papers 

iTreatin' many a painful theme ; 
But it's when yoii get a toothache 

That it ain't no fairy dream. 



150 JIMTOWN 



DID YOU TRY? 

It ain't so much what you're doin', 

It ain't so much what you've done, 
It ain't so much 'cause you're losin', 

It ain't so much that you've won ; 
It ain't just what you've accompHshed 

In the days what's goin' by, 
But the thing what counts, my brother, 

Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 

It ain't so much that you're beaten, 

It ain't that you've won the race. 
It ain't the way things have ended 

What makes the shame and disgrace ; 
It ain't so much that you're merry. 

It ain't so much that you cry. 
But the thing what counts, my brother. 

Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 

It ain't the size o' your fortune. 

It ain't the breadth o' your fame. 
It ain't that you toil for a livin', 

It ain't you've an unknown name ; 
It ain't that you're kept so humble. 

It ain't you soar to the sky, 
But the thing what counts, my brother. 

Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 



REMINISCENCES I>I 



It ain't so much you've won battles, 

It ain't so much you've been licked, 
It ain't 'cause your path is roses. 

It ain't 'cause you're cussed and kicked; 
It ain't the sunshine or shadow 

What come as the days go by, 
But the thing what counts, my brother, 

Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 

It ain't so much what you're doin'. 

It ain't so much what you've done. 
It ain't so much 'cause you're losin'. 

It ain't so much that you've won ; 
When your life is most-nigh ended, 

When twilight's a-drawin' nigh, 
,The thing what will count, my brother. 

Is (lose or win) : Did you try? 



152 JIMTOWN 



DO THINGS NOW. 

'Tain't no use to be a-braggin' 

'Bout the things 'twas done by you, 

Or forever be a-tellin' 

'Bout what future things you'll do. 

'Cause the past has gone forever 
And the future — well now, say ! 

If there's things you think need doin', 
Just you do 'em now today. 

You may never reach the future 
And the past has gone to stay ; 

If you want to get things finished 
Better do 'em now today. 

Don't you know the past and future 
Is just 'bout the same as one? 

'Cause the present's all you're sure of, 
Now's the time to get things done. 



REMINISCENCES 153 



THE STRAIGHT OUT SORT. 

I ain't nothin' gin the fellar 

What is dressy Hke and fine, 
And I ain't no kick a-comin" 

If his clothes are better 'n' mine. 
It's all right for other fellars 

If they want to have it so, 
But I ain't no man for flubdubs 

And was never much on show. 

I don't care for frills nor feathers 

Or how swell your fam'ly tree — 
Trace it back just all you're mind too, 

It won't have no 'feet on me. 
It's all right to have fine grandads 

('Tain't their fault what you may be), 
But a straight out sort o' fellar 

Is the kind o' one for me. 

He may have just lots o' money 

Or just be what folks call broke. 
He may be just sort o' ploddin' 

Or may strike a longer stroke. 
He's a right to^ go a past me 

If I'm eas}- like and slow ; 
Is he real or only shammin' ? 

That's the thing I want to know. 



154 JIMTOWN 

I don't care none 'bout your smartness 

Or the honors you may get 
If you talk 'bout helpin' people 

While they dig ahead and sweat ; 
I don't care if you 'pear pious 

And the Lord His aid invoke 
If you can't stop just a minute 

For to lift some gallin' yoke. 

No, don't tell me any stories 

'Bout what other folks have been, 
And don't show me any fixin's 

What may hide the meanest men ; 
If your life is pure and spotless 

Or if it is black as tar, 
Don't go 'round a-hidin' somewhere — 

Be plain out just what you are. 

I've no love for pious fellars 

If it don't reach 'neath the vest, 
But I like 'most anybody 

What's a-doin' of his best. 
We ought not be judgin' others, 

But I tell you what it is — 
I've respect for any fellar 

What is plain out what he is. 



reminisce;nce;s 155 



GOD'S SKY IS OVER ALL. 

When the storm clouds are a-rollin' 

And the thunder's keen and loud, 
When we see the lightnin' flashin' 

As it zigzags through the cloud, 
'Twould inspire us, oh my brother. 

If at such times you and I 
Could just think, beyond the storm clouds 

Is God's shinin' clear blue sky. 

When the ship is slowly sinkin' 

And the mighty billows roll. 
When it 'pears no help is nigh us 

And we hear the death knell toll. 
Just remember 'mong the dangers 

What with fear our hearts now fill. 
There's a hand above the waters 

What can tell them, "Peace, be still !" 

Oft our life's a troubled voyage 

And the storm clouds hover near ; 
Oft our hearts halt in the strivin' 

As we're overcome with fear; 
Oft the dangers Avhat surround us 

Can the strongest heart appal. 
But remember, oh my brother. 

That God's sky is over all. 



156 JIMTOWN 



When the storm clouds all have vanished 

And life's sea is calm and fair, 
When there ain't no shadows 'bout us, 

But it's sunshine ever'where, 
Then our hearts is restin' peaceful 

And our minds is free o' care, 
'Cause we see beyond the storm clouds 

.That God's sky was still up there. 

Let the storm clouds roll and gather — 

Hide at times our cherished goal — 
Though our ship be torn asunder 

As the mighty billows roll. 
It's inspirin', oh my brother. 

If at such times you and I 
Can just think. Beyond the storm clouds 

Is God's sJiinin' clear blue sky. 



REMINISCENCES 157 



HOW SOME FOLKS LIVE. 

:There is folks you can't say's livin' 
But just stay in' here someway, 

Sort o' hangin' on to somethin' 
Till they fin'ly go away. 

iThey have staid here all their lifetime, 
And ain't done no one no good ; 

If they'd staid a heap sight longer, 
Chances are they never would. 

Folks don't mind 'em while they're livin' 
And don't miss 'em when they're gone- 

Barely stop 'em when they meet 'em. 
Then just sort o' hurry on. 

After they have left us mortals, 

When they went, and how, or where, 
How they're restin' in the churchyard, 

Ain't none know and few folks care. 



158 JIMTOWN 



SOMETHIN' 'TAIN'T HAPPENED YET. 

Ain't you ofttimes sort o' noticed 

In the folks along your way 
That the things what cause their worry 

Ain't the things what's here today? 
They can bear their present troubles 

And today's dark trials, but yet 
They will do a lot o' worryin' 

'Bout the thing 'tain't happened yet. 

Guess we all of us must do it — 

Purt-nigh all us mortals do. 
'Pears there's times when I can't help it — 

No doubt 'tis the same with you. 
P'r'aps we're havin' our own troubles — 

Mebby plenty and to let; 
But it alius 'pears the worst one 

Is the one 'tain't happened yet. 

I don't know why in creation 

Folkses will act that-a-way — 
Worry 'bout the things a-comin' 

When things is just fine today; 
Lookin' for'ard for a storm-cloud, 

Though God's sun is shinin' down, 
Till they think the bright sun's visage 

Is a-tryin' for to frown. 



REMINISCENCES 159 



Also, ain't you ever noticed — 

Don't you sort o' call to mind — 
How the hills what's loomin' 'fore you 

Loom up bigger'n them behind? 
Ain't it so with all our troubles ? 

Things what makes us fear and fret 
Likely is away off yonder 

'Mong the things 'tain't happened yet. 

Just you do the things about you, 

Not a-fearin' things ahead. 
Then you'll find your great big mountain 

Is a molehill, like, instead. 
We can smile 'bout present hap'nin's — 

'Bout our cares today; but still. 
We will skeer 'bout what ain't happened, 

And most likely never will. 



l60 JIMTOWN 



ORANGE BLOSvSOMS. 

When a girl she gets a notion 

That she's tired o' single life — 
Gets a sort o' fool like i-dee 

That she wants to be a wife, 
'Tain't no use at all o' talkin' 

Or a-shootin' off hot air ; 
She's a scent o' orange blossoms 

And you bet she's goin' there. 

If you've been along that highway 

And you try to tell her things. 
She will think that you are silly 

And just goes ahead and sings 
To herself about the roses 

What she'll wear twined in her hair. 
She's a scent o' orange blossoms 

And you bet she's goin' there. 

It don't matter what his name is, 

If it's Wilson, Jones or Green, 
And they'll take the blamdest fellars 

What you purt-nigh ever seen. 
It don't matter where he lives at, 

She will go 'most anywhere ; 
Waft a scent o' orange blossoms 

And you bet she's goin' there. 



REMINISCENCES l6l 



HANG ON TO YOUR GRIT. 

Just you keep right on a-tryin' — 

Never mind what others say; 
If you keep right on a-peggin', 

Things are apt to come your way. 
If you sit around a-frettin', 

It don't help a single bit ; 
If you really want to get there, 

Just you hang on to your grit. 

Don't you ever stop a-tryin' 

'Cause your ship 'pears goin' down; 
Alius grab a holt o' somethin' — 

Chances are you'll never drown. 
Never think you're killed or dyin' 

'Cause you've been a little hit ; 
If you really want to get there, 

Just you hang on to your grit. 

Lots o' folks instead o' livin' 

Will just sort o' fade away, 
'Cause they one time had a setback; 

So they sort o' just decay. 
Kind o' man what's alius needed 

And the one what makes a hit, 
Is the man what smiles at troubles 

And just hangs on to his grit. 




^5g 



REMINISCENCES 163 



MILKIN' cows IN FLYTIME. 

There is times I get to musin' 

'Bout the things what's in the past, 
Kind o' dreamy reminiscent 

'Bout the things what never last. 
There's some things I keep forgettin' 

Till I dream o' them that way. 
But one thing on mem'ry's planted. 

And it 'pears 'twill alius stay : 
'Tis a picture of old Brindle 

And the rumpus what she made 
When a-milkin' her in flytime 

And it ninety in the shade. 

I have sawed the wood in winter 

And I've raked the yard in spring, 
Sort o' puttered 'round with chickens 

And done purt-nigh ever'thing; 
I've been pestered with the chiggers 

And 'most et alive with fleas. 
Sicked the old dog in the bee swarm 

And got stung myself by bees ; 
But them there was sort o' side shows 

To the circus what was made 
When we milked the cows in flytime 

And it ninety in the shade. 



164 JIMTOWN 



You can talk about the skeeters 

What in summertime would bite, 
And the bedbugs (some folks had 'em) 

Till they made things warm at night ; 
But I tell you, they wern't in it 

When old Brindle made a swoop 
With her tail around your headgear 

In a vicious floppin' loop; 
(Then with tail, head, hoof and slobber 

'She would start a fusillade 
When a-milkin' her in flytime 

And it ninety in the shade. 

And 'twas alius kind o' curious 

How there'd be a breathin' spell; 
Then she'd kick the brimmin' bucket 

(Why? The wisest they can't tell), 
And you grit your teeth to stand it 

And choke back just lots o' swears; 
When you think your trouble over 

Then she takes you unawares. 
Rams her nose beneath your short-ribs 

Just to see o' what you're made, 
When you're milkin' her in flytime 

And it ninety in the shade. 



REMINISCENCES 165 



And I sometime get a nightmare 

At my musin' ; for, you see, 
Just a-thinkin' 'bout the wicked 

Brings a horror over me; 
When I leave this land o' mortals 

And have crossed the narrow strait, 
With St. Peter there before me — 

Will he bar the pearly gate? 
And it brings the fear upon me — 

'Twould be awful if he made 
Sinners milk the cows in flytime 

Where it's ninety in the shade. 



l66 JIMTOWN 



LIVER PILLS. 

When some people get a notion 

That they're sort o' feelin' bad 
They will think of all the ailments 

What a mortal ever had, 
And git skeered as all creation, 

'Cause the worst one o' the lot 
They 'most alius will imagine 

Is the very one they've got. 

They have read about the symptoms 

And they've heard the neighbors tell 
'Bout the other folks what's had it 

And how nary one got well. 
They will think of all things dreadful 

That to them could e'er befall ; 
Just you name a dozen ailments 

And they'll think they've got 'em all. 

You can't tell just why they do it, 

If they're color blind or what: 
Where you see the silver linin' 

They will find the darkest spot. 
Things ain't never to their likin' 

And 'tis mighty hard to say 
What just awful things would happen 

If they only had their way. 



REMINISCENCES 167 



They just think that fate's agin 'em 

If the sky to them ain't blue 
When they've drawn a clotid o' doubtin' 

What won't let the sunshine through. 
tThey will borrow lots o' trouble 

Just a-worry'n' 'bout their ills, 
When the only thing what's needed 

Is a dose o' liver pills. 



1 68 JIMTOWN 



A SMILE AND HAND-CLASP. 

The thing what to me 'pears helpful 

For makin' the whole world kin, 
And best for drivin' out shadows 

And lettin' the sunshine in, 
For helpin' one what's discouraged 

And bringin' some tired soul rest, 
Is a smile and hand-clasp, brother; 

That, 'pears to me, is the best. 

There's lots o' ways what folks tell us 

For makin' this old world glad. 
For makin' its burdens lighter. 

For bringin' cheer to the sad, — 
And lots o' folks are sure tryin' 

To help the weak and oppressed; 
But a smile and hand-clasp, brother. 

It 'pears to me is the best. 

Some folks send presents what's costly, 

And some send money as gifts, 
While some will preach you a sermon 

What seems would surely uplift. 
While no doubt these things are helpful. 

And to some are a welcome guest. 
Yet a smile and hand-clasp, brother, 

It 'pears to me is the best. 



REMINISCENCES 169 



Somehow when the world 'pears gloomy, 

And to sorrow there seems no end — 
When you feel kind o' God-forsaken 

Like someway you hadn't a friend, — 
There's nothin', my friend, its equal 

For bringin' the warmth to your heart ; 
Then your voice somehow gets trembly, 

And you feel the tear-drops start. 

A man don't have to have money 

To help his fellows along, 
And folks don't have to be singers 

To gladden the world with song. 
Your wealth perhaps is a blessin' 

To the weak, the poor and distressed, 
But a smile and hand-clasp, brother, 

It 'pears to me is the best. 

There's nothin' what costs as little. 

Yet nothin' what does as much 
To'ards bringin' the world together 

With sort of a heav'nly touch; 
And nothin' it seems goes farther 

To'ards makin' this life worth while 
Than to have some fellar greet you 

With just a hand-clasp and smile. 



170 JIMTOWN 

THE OLD TRUNDLE BED. 

It was battered with age and discarded; 

'Tain't never mentioned today ; 
'Tain't fittin' along with fine things, 

And so they have cast it away. 
It was sort o' common, I reckon — 

Old fashioned and plain — but then, 
When mem'ry sort o' tracks backwards, 

I hanker to see it again. 
It 'pears like one o' the fam'ly — 

Like one o' the dear ones dead, 
When mem'ry brings back the picture 

Of that old-time trundle bed. 

While there was no style about it 

(In fact 'twas remarkably plain). 
Yet songs what my mother sung 'side it. 

As soft as the drippin' o' rain. 
Would bring such a home-like feelin' 

That it sort o' 'pears like, someway. 
That the youngsters don't get nothin' like it 

'Mongst all o' their fin'ry today. 
It's many a time o' ev'nin,' 

Just after the papers is read, 
I'll wish I could go back yonder 

And rest in that trundle bed. 



REMINISCENCES 171 



I'd like for to hear the lullaby 

And the sweet old time refrain — 
As soft as the breeze o'er blossoms 

A-drip with the summer rain; 
Like to hear the katydid answer 

The call o' the whip-poor-will 
And the chirp o' hearthstone crickets — 

Till all the noises is still; 
Like to sleep the sleep o' childhood 

And to dream the dreams of old, 
And 'magine the firelight's flicker 

Was pavin' the floor with gold. 

No doubt it has served its purpose, 

And so it is classed with the past ; 
Old Time has left it behind him 

'Mong the years what have gone so fast. 
'Twouldn't look well in rooms what's modern 

'Mong the fancy beds o' today ; 
Besides there was no place to put it. 

And so they have cast it away. 
Yet I'd like to go 'way back yonder 

'Mong the things what's linked with the dead, 
And just for one night have mother 

Take and tuck me in that old bed. 



172 JIMTOWN 



PUT IT, RILEY, WHERE YOU PLEASE. 

Oh "the frost is on the punkin 

And the fodder's in the shock," 
But I never heard the "kyouckin' " 

Of a "strnttin' turkey-cock." 
Mebby turkeys now is dififer'nt 

From the ones what Riley heard, 
For a "struttin' cock" a "k}'Ouckin' " 

Sure's a queerish sort o' bird. 

You may hear some 'tarnal racket 

When the guineas git a-goin'. 
And there's lively sounds a-plenty 

When the roosters start a-crowin', 
And tlie atmosphere's sure hearty 

In the frosty time o' year, 
But a "struttin' cock" a "k}-ouckin' " 

'Is a thing you'll never hear. 

When our garner bins are crowded 

With their ears o' golden corn, 
And our sunset's only rival 

Is the beauty of the morn. 
Sure 'twould set my heart "a-clickin' 

Like the tickin' of a clock" 
If I'd ever hear the "k}^ouckin' " 

Of a "struttin' turkey-cock." 



REMINISCENCES I73 

While the frost's as appetizin' 

As I s'pose it ever wuz, 
(Sort o' spices up the vittles, 

Or to me it 'pears it does) ; 
Though it 'pears most folks is happy 

In your modern folkses' way, 
Yet you never hear no "kyouckin' " 

From the "struttin' cocks" today. 

And "the stubble in the furries" 

Surely lonesome-like must be, 
But what puts it in the furries 

Is a curious thing to me ; 
And I som-etimes get to thinkin', 

Like contra^'y folkses will, 
And I wonder where' them barns wuz 

What them stubble "erowed to fill." 



And "the strawstack in the medder" — 

Well now, Riley, I'd 'most swear 
That I never seen a farmer 

What would put his strawstack there. 
Put your clover in the hay-loft, 

And old Barney in his stall, 
But "the strawstack in the medder" — 

That won't never do at all. 



174 JIMTOWN 

Yet we alius think o' Riley 

When the fodder's in the shock, 
And don't care a continental 

'Bout that struttin' turkey cock. 
Let 'em spread their glossy feathers 

As they "k}^ouck" beneath the trees; 
And the strawstack what was builded — 

Put it, Riley, where you please. 

We don't care none 'bout the stubble, 

But we'd surely miss our Jim 
If at times when clouds is hangin' 

We could read no line from him. 
Other things may pass forgotten 

Simiply as a pas sin' whim, 
But we'll keep right on forever 

In our love for dear old Jim. 



REMINISCENCES 1/5 



THERE'LL ALLUS BE SOME KNOCKIN'. 

Now it ain't no use a-tryin' 

For to have one common view, 
'Cause no differ'nce what's the problem, 

There'll be some don't 'gree with you. 
You can try just all you're mind to. 

There'll be folks a-knockin' ; still. 
While there's some won't like your efforts, 

There'll be other folks what will. 

If you ever climbed a mountain 

Or have ever had a fall. 
There's been folks around just actin' 

Like they alius knowed it all. 
They could tell just where you missed it — 

How you'd ought 'a' done; but still. 
While there's some won't never praise you, 

There'll be other folks what will. 

You ain't never fought a battle 

(H you've won or if you've lost) 
But your fight would been lots better 

H some other folks had bossed. 
You may feel somewhat discouraged 

When you've done your best; but still. 
While there's some won't like your fightin', 

There'll be other folks what will. 



1/6 



TIMTOWN 



It don't matter how you're tryin' 

In the work you've got to do, 
There'll be some instead o' helpin' 

Are just alius knockin' you. 
It don't matter 'bout your knowledge, 

There'll be some to doubt your skill — 
They won't like your ways or methods ; 

But there's other folks what will. 

Yes, there'll alius be some knockin' 

In this land we travel through, 
'Cause there's folks with differ'nt makeups, 

And each one has got his view. 
While it's hard to have folks faultin' 

When you've done your best, yet still. 
Though there's folks it 'pears won't like you, 

There'll be other folks what will. 




NiAY 1 md 



